A successful appeal by the Kenyan team at the 2024 Paris Olympics has brought relief to champion athlete Faith Kipyegon and millions of Kenyan fans following the ongoing international competitions in France.
On Monday night, the women's 1500m record holder finished second in the 5000m race but was disqualified for allegedly pushing Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay. This disqualification disheartened the athlete and millions of fans watching worldwide.
However, the Kenyan team officials appealed the decision to disqualify Kipyegon, and fortunately, the appeal was successful.
"A successful appeal was made by #TeamKenya. The incredible Faith's silver medal has been restored," Team Kenya said in a statement early Tuesday morning. "She will be standing next to Beatrice as we sing the national anthem tomorrow. The 5000m silver is Faith Kipyegon's."
World 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet won Kenya's first gold medal at the Paris Olympics in the women's 5000m race, clocking 14:28.56 on Monday night at the Stade de France.
World 1500m record holder Faith Kipyegon initially finished second with a time of 14:29.60 but was stripped of her medal for allegedly pushing Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay. Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands finished third with a time of 14:30.61, earning the bronze medal. Nadia Battocletti of Italy (14:31.64) took fourth place, while another Kenyan in the race, Margaret Chelimo, finished fifth (14:31.64).