Faith Kipyegon's silver medal has been reinstated by the Jury of Appeal, overturning an earlier controversial disqualification for obstruction.
The decision secured Kenya a 1-2 finish in the 12.5-lap race. World 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet clinched gold at 14:28.56, while Kipyegon finished second in 14:29.60.
Kipyegon had been disqualified for allegedly obstructing Ethiopian world record holder Gudaf Tsegay. However, Kenyan officials quickly appealed, preserving the country’s pride. Kipyegon explained the situation, stating, "I was in front, and she tried to come in front.
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I told her, 'Please, you will push me inside; come slowly, I will excuse you,' but she kept pushing and put me in an awkward situation. I did not push anyone."
The reinstatement demoted Sifan Hassan, the immediate former champion who had temporarily benefited from Kipyegon's disqualification, to bronze. Italian runner Nadia Battocletti returned to her initial fourth-place position.
Kipyegon will now focus on defending her 1500m title on Tuesday at 11:05, aiming for a third consecutive win in the distance. Despite her disappointment, she remains determined: "I will immediately shift focus to the 1500m because it’s coming up tomorrow (Tuesday) in the morning. I’m disappointed, but I will now focus on my race tomorrow."
New Olympic champion Chebet will compete in the 10,000m race against the reigning champion, the indefatigable Hassan, to achieve a double victory.
**Keywords**: Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Paris Olympics, 5000m silver medal, obstruction disqualification, Jury of Appeal, Gudaf Tsegay, Sifan Hassan, 1500m title defense, Olympic gold, Kenya athletics.
