Why was Faith Kipyegon disqualified despite finishing second fastest in 5000m final at Paris Olympics 2024? Explaining the dramatic events

By Zahid Rashid Dar

Modified Aug 05, 2024 22:22 GMT

Faith Kipyegon didn't win a medal despite being the second-fastest finisher in the women's 800m final at the Paris Olympics 2024. The former world record holder in the event was disqualified for her on-track behavior.

Kipyegon got into a mini fight with Gudaf Tsegay with nearly 800m left in the race. She seemingly pushed the Ethiopian runner after making contact with her while outstretching the arm. The 30-year-old was penalized as shoving is categorized as obstructing the field of the opponent which isn't allowed by World Athletics. The official ruling for the disqualification was obstruction.

The race was eventually won by Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet in a time of 14:28.56. Faith Kipyegon was second to cross the finish line in 14:29.60, and she was celebrating her silver medal before her disqualification was announced. Sifan Hasan improved to silver in 14:30.61 following Kipyegon's disqualification.

It was a dramatic turn of events for Nadia Battocletti, who had just finished outside of the podium in fourth. When Kipyegon's disqualification was announced, and she saw her name flash third for the bronze medal, the Italian broke into tears of joy.

Update: Faith Kipyegon appealed against the decision and it was accepted. The Kenyan was awarded the silver medal while Sifan Hassan dropped back to bronze. The Italian's roller coster day continues.

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Is Faith Kipyegon competing again at the Paris Olympics 2024?

Faith Kipyegon (Source: Getty)

Faith Kipyegon's premier event is the 1500m. She holds the current world record in the event with a time of 3:49.04, which she clocked at the Paris Diamond League. The Kenyan is a two-time Olympic champion in the event and will be going for her third at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Kipyegon will be seen in action in the 1500m for the first time on August 06. She is expected to directly qualify for the semi-finals, which take place on August 08. The finals of the event will take place on August 10, and Kipyegon will be an overwhelming favorite to win her third consecutive gold in the event.

Faith Kipyegon broke her own world record in the 1500m at the Paris Diamond League last month. She clocked a time of 3:49.04 to lower her previous world record of 3:49.11.

“I knew the world record was possible because I recently ran very fast in Kenya. I was coming here to just run my race and to see what shape I’m in to defend my title at the Olympics,” she said (via Forbes).

Kipyegon had earlier run 3:53.98 at the Olympic Trials in her first race of the season.