Chebet wins Olympics gold medal as Kipyegon is disqualified

By Peter Ochieng

Finally, Kenya has won her first two medals at the 2024 Olympic Games, ongoing in Paris, France.

Beatrice Chebet won gold in the 5000m race, beating her compatriot Faith Kipyegon, the 1500m Olympic Games defending champion.

Moments later, Kipyegon, double world champion in her 1500m specialty was left in tears after being disqualified from her silver medal position.

Kipyegon was adjudged to have obstructed Ethiopian world record holder Gudaf Tsegay, as the two tussled with two laps to go.

Tsegay had tried to curve her way to the front from the inside, elbowing out Kipyegon in the process.

Kipyegon responded 'in kind,' by equally protecting her territory, which was later judged to be obstruction.

Beatrice Chebet clocked 14:28.56 ahead of Kipyegon.

Sifan Hassan who had finished third, was elevated to silver medal position with Italy’s Nadia Battocletti moving to third, to bag bronze.

Team Kenya authorities in France have already launched an appeal.

Meanwhile, Mary Moraa won bronze for Kenya, after finishing third in the 800m.