• On Monday night, Kipyegon placed second for a silver medal with a time of 14:29.60 trailing Beatrice Chebet (14:28.56) and ahead of Netherland’s Sifan Hassan (14:30.61).
• However, Kipyegon was disqualified post-race for allegedly pushing and shoving Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, who finished ninth (14:45.21).
Image: HANDOUT
Two-time 1,500 Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon is laser-focused on defending her crown following a tumultuous night that saw her win the 5,000m silver medal, disqualification, and the decision reversed again.
On Monday night, Kipyegon placed second for a silver medal with a time of 14:29.60, trailing Beatrice Chebet (14:28.56) and ahead of Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan (14:30.61).
However, Kipyegon was disqualified post-race for allegedly pushing and shoving Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, who finished ninth (14:45.21).
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.
She also thanked her fans for their unwavering support. “I thank all Kenyans for their prayers. We keep fighting until the 1,500m finish line,” she said.
Kipyegon is optimistic about defending her crown, having qualified for the semifinals on Tuesday morning at the Stade de France.
“This is another race, and I am looking forward to a good performance,” Kipyegon said.
Kipyegon placed fourth in Heat Two clocking 4:00.74 behind winner Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji (3:59.73), Britain’s Georgia Bell (4:00.290 and USA’s Nikki Hiltz (4:00.42).
Reflecting on her performance, she said, “I was a little tired from the 5,000m the previous night, but I feel good. It was a good race and I look forward to greater performances.”
Kipyegon aims to make history as the first woman to win three consecutive 1,500m Olympic titles, having secured gold in Rio 2016 (4:08.92) and later in Tokyo 2020 where she set an Olympic record of 3:53.11.
Joining her in the semifinals is Susan Ejore, who finished third in her heat with a time of 3:59.01, trailing Tsegay (3:58.84) and Britain’s Laura Muir (3:58.91). The US-based middle-distance runner expressed her pride in representing Kenya.
“It’s amazing to make the semis in my first Olympics. I’ve always wanted to fly the Kenyan flag at international competitions, and I’m glad I could,” Ejore said. She remains hopeful of making the finals.
“My target is to advance through the semis and reach the finals,” she added.
Nelly Chepchirchir also punched her ticket to the finals after winning heat three in 4:02.67. The trio will be aiming to secure finals slots in the semifinals slated for Thursday at 8:35 pm.