Beatrice Chebet wins Kenya its first gold medal at the Paris Olympics in the 5,000m women's race
- Published By Jedida Barasa For The Statesman Digital
- 1 year ago
World 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet on Monday night gave Kenya her first gold medal at the Paris Olympics, her compatriot Faith Kipyegon regained her silver medal after appealing the decision alleging obstruction from Ethiopian world record holder Gudaf Tsegay.
Chebet, known as the 'smiling assassin' accelerated past Kipyegon down the home straight to take gold in 14:28.56 in the tension-packed final that pitted three world record holders.
Kipyegon, who finished second in 14:29.60, was disqualified for obstruction but Kenyan officials immediately appealed the decision and recovered the silver medal.
That decision saw the immediate champion Sifan Hassan moved from the silver medal position to the bronze medal position with a time of 14:30.61.
“I’m very sad about what has happened to Faith, I saw everything and hope justice will be served. That decision can affect our morale and so we hope our officials will win the appeal,” said Chebet.
“In spite of that, I’m happy to have finally given Kenya the first medal. I know some were impatient with us and I really want to call upon the Kenyans not to say bad things on social media. Please cheer us and we will win these gold.”
Chebet attributed her performance to hard work and also team work from her colleagues.
“I said during the semifinals that we will win medals if team up. We’ve done it. We gave each other morale before the race and that’s why we’ve won 1-2 regardless of the decision.”
The other Kenyan, Margret Chelimo, came in fourth with a season best time of 14:32.23.
“I’m contented with my position. Being my first Olympics I’m taking many positives from the race. I also congratulate Beatrice for winning the gold and wish the appeal for Kipyegon will go through,” she said.
Chebet will be keen to get a double over Hassan who is also the Olympic 10,000m reigning champion when the duo clash again in the 24-lap race on Friday.
Share on
SHARE YOUR COMMENT
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
TSM Trending Stories
DJ Mo’s former illicit lo...
- Published By Jane
- January 15, 2024
Mapenzi! Zari and Tanasha...
- Published By Jane
- October 24, 2023
Zuchu Speaks on Diamond P...
- Published By Jane
- October 12, 2023
Hio Ni Upumbavu Wasituche...
- Published By Jane
- November 8, 2023
TSM'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOU
Alcohol And Weight Gain:...
- Published By TSM
- June 5, 2026
End Of Scientific Researc...
- Published By TSM
- June 7, 2026
Why Dance Classes Might B...
- Published By TSM
- June 8, 2026
PHP vs Python: Understand...
- Published By TSM
- June 5, 2026
TSM Latest Stories
Lionel Messi Leads Argent...
- Published By TSM
- June 10, 2026
How Parents Can Prepare C...
- Published By TSM
- June 10, 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026: Sing...
- Published By TSM
- June 10, 2026
Mokaya, Mjaka Mfine, And...
- Published By TSM
- June 10, 2026

