PARIS, Aug 5 (Reuters) – Beatrice Chebet of Kenya triumphed in the women’s 5,000 meters at the Paris Olympics with a masterful display, outpacing her compatriot Faith Kipyegon, whose silver medal was reinstated following a contentious disqualification.
Chebet clocked 14 minutes 28.56 seconds to clinch the gold medal, while Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands claimed silver with a time of 14:30.61 and Nadia Battocletti of Italy secured bronze in 14:31.64. Chebet’s victory marked Kenya’s first medal at the Paris Olympics, evoking jubilant celebrations as she crossed the finish line.
Kenya’s team officials, led by Milka Chemos, Bernard Ouma, and Team Manager Peter Angwenyi, successfully appealed Kipyegon’s disqualification, ensuring her silver medal was reinstated amid the drama.
Chebet, who previously finished second at the 2022 World Championships and won bronze in Budapest last year, took an early lead and maintained a fierce pace alongside Kipyegon. In a decisive surge on the final bend, she overtook her compatriot to secure the victory.
Despite her Tokyo Olympics triumph, Hassan struggled to match the Kenyan duo’s pace in the closing stages, settling for bronze after a valiant effort.
Chebet and Kipyegon embraced warmly after the race, draped in Kenyan flags, amidst roaring applause from the Stade de France crowd. However, Kipyegon’s initial disqualification led to uncertainty before the decision was overturned in her favor.
“I am saddened by what happened to Faith, and I hope justice will prevail because she did nothing wrong,” Chebet expressed to reporters. “I believe she will rightfully receive her medal in the end.”
Kipyegon, the reigning world champion, initially finished second in 14:29.60 but was disqualified following an incident with Ethiopian athlete Gudaf Tsegay on the penultimate lap. However, following Kenya’s successful appeal, her silver medal was rightfully restored, pushing Hassan to third place and Battocletti out of the medal standings.
Athletics Kenya announced the reinstatement on social media, bringing clarity to a tense post-race atmosphere where Hassan and Battocletti awaited the final decision.
Looking ahead, Hassan, undeterred by the outcome, remains focused on her ambitious schedule in Paris, which includes the 10,000 meters and marathon events. “It’s a challenge I relish. I know it’s unusual, but I want to push myself and see what’s possible,” Hassan remarked, contemplating the daunting task ahead.
As Chebet savored her Olympic triumph and Kipyegon’s silver medal was rightfully reinstated, the stage is set for further athletic feats and compelling performances in the days to come.
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