Two-time 1,500m Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has qualified for the 1,500m finals at the Paris Olympics.
Kipyegon clocked 3:58.64 during semi final to book a slot in the finals to take place on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
Kipyegon took a comfortable win in the first semi final of the women's 1500m as Nelly Chepchirchir failed to live up to the billing.
Susan Ejore finished fifth in the race but equally qualified for the finals.
Semi final rules state that the first six athletes in each heat have the chance to qualify for the final.
Kipyegon and Ejore will batlle it out for a place on the podium alongside a competitive field comprising Welteji, Jessica Hull, Nikki Hiltz, Gudaf Tsegay, Agathe Guillemot, Georgia Bell, Elle St. Pierre, Laura Muir, Klaudia Kazimierska and Agueda Marques.
On Monday night, Kipyegon placed second in the 5000m race to win silver medal in a time of 14:29.60, trailing Beatrice Chebet who set a new Olympic record in a time of 14:28.56.
Chebet dethroned former champion, Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan, who settled for bronze in a time of 14:30.61.
Kipyegon was disqualified post-race for allegedly pushing and shoving Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, who finished ninth in 14:45.21.
However, an appeal from Team Kenya overturned the disqualification, restoring Kipyegon's silver medal.
“It was an emotional evening, but I knew I ran a clean race,” Kipyegon said.
“I always compete fairly and believe in myself. Despite the pushing, it was a good race,” she added.
Kipyegon had to quickly regroup emotionally and mentally for the 1,500m heats.
“I knew I needed to be ready for the 1,500m. I went back to the Olympic Village and took a nap to prepare for Tuesday’s race,” she shared.
