Paris 2024: No problems for Faith in 1500m as Yego shines

Kenya's Julius Yego competes in the men's javelin throw qualification of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 6, 2024.[AFP]

Two-time 1500m Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon put behind Monday’s frustration to sail through into the semi-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at Stade de France on Tuesday.

Fresh from getting her 5000m silver medal after a successful appeal following disqualification for apparent obstruction, Kipyegon comfortably led her compatriots Nelly Chepchirchir and Susan Ejore into the semis slated for tomorrow.

The multiple world record holder clocked 4:00.74 to finish fourth in heat two, in a race won by Ethiopian Diribe Welteji (3:59.73).

Youthful Chepchirchir clinched her heat in a time of 4:02.67 while Ejore finished third (3:59.01) in a heat won by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay.

Kipyegon thanked Kenyans for their relentless support as another showdown with Tsegay whom she clashed with in the 5000m final looms.

“To be honest, I feel tired after last night but I am feeling good. This is a different race and my race and my focus is fully on making Kenyans proud. I have no comment after that run as it was hard,” said Kipyegon.

“This is sport and I am Faith, I’ve always participated fairly and all in all I am now focused on 1500m. I have to keep going, It will be beautiful.”

Asked how she felt after realising her silver medal has been reinstated, Kipyegon said: 

“It was really hard for me, but you just have to accept the outcome. I just went to the Olympic Village and took a nap because I knew I had another race, I had to wake up and keep going.”

Meanwhile, former world javelin champion Julius Yego was over the moon after securing a final ticket with season’s best throw of 85.97m at Stade de France.

The African champion finished second in the Group ‘A’ qualifiers, behind German Webber Julian, who threw 87.76m. The finals are set for Thursday.

“I feel the body is now ready to throw the javelin again. I just need to take it easy and get the technique right. You all know what I have gone through since the beginning of the year, I really needed to prove that I can still do it,” said Yego.