From tears to triumph, Kipyegon reflects on emotional Paris 2024 Olympics

Faith Kipyegon became the first athlete ever to win three back-to-back 1,500m gold medals and set a new Olympic record time during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

However, it was not all glory as Kipyegon revealed that she underwent emotional turmoil which could have cost her the silver medal during the women's 5,000m finals.

Narrating her experience at Citizen TV on Wednesday night, Kipyegon, while describing the events of that race, said it was emotionally draining, disappointing, and traumatic.

This was because the events resulted in her disqualification, a decision many observers considered unfair. However, her silver medal was later reinstated following a successful appeal by Team Kenya officials.

"I wouldn't say it was a disappointment but it was a bit traumatic...to be disqualified after winning silver, I asked myself why that was happening," Kipyegon narrated.

Almost reaching the finishing line during the 5,000m finals, Kenya's golden girl faced an unexpected challenge during the 5,000m final when a physical clash with Ethiopian runner Gudaf Tsegay almost cost her the race.

Kipyegon acknowledged that in a race, full concentration is required and at that moment, Beatrice Chebet, and Margaret Chelimo who were in the race with her demonstrated teamwork.

"Unfortunately, when I wanted to lead the race, the Ethiopian also started moving up," Kipyegon explained.

The controversial disqualification followed when Tsegay drifted into Kipyegon's lane, leading to a collision.

Kenya's Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon after the 5,000m race at the Paris Olympics on August 6, 2024. (Photo: X/OlympicsKe)

Despite Kipyegon's determined attempt to recover, she initially endured the heartbreak of losing her hard-earned silver medal.

The narrative shifted when Team Kenya's technical officials filed a compelling appeal, resulting in Kipyegon's reinstatement, though she received a yellow card for the rest of the Games.

After further review, it was confirmed that Tsegay was at fault, and Kipyegon's silver medal was justly returned to her.

Tsegay apology

Kipyegon also disclosed that the incident didn't end on the track, as Tsegay later approached her to apologise, admitting her mistake.

"After the following day's 1,500m hits, Tsegay came and knelt before me and told me she was very sorry, that it was not my fault but hers, 'please forgive me'. I just forgave her knowing that it is sports and we will meet again another time and we need each other to compete," she said.

The Olympic champion said she was not disappointed by getting a silver medal, but she was disappointed by being disqualified for not knowing what she did wrong.

"I didn't think I would be disqualified after finishing my race. Most people are saying that I was disappointed in getting a silver medal, but I was not," Kipyegon said.

Despite the ordeal, Kipyegon remained focused and composed, turning the emotional turmoil into a remarkable performance in her signature 1,500m race.

She set a new Olympic record in that race, making history as the first woman to win three consecutive gold medals in the event.

Faith Kipyegon displays her 1,500m Gold medal and 5,000m silver medal she won at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Photo: Handout)

"It was quite a motivation to stand on that podium as the greatest 1500m runner of all time... knowing that I have inspired many young girls out there. It was a great inspiration to me," Kipyegon added.

Her performance was pivotal in Kenya's triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the country secured 11 medals and solidified its position as the leading African nation at the games.

Kipyegon was only one of two Kenyan athletes to have won at least two medals in the Paris Olympics.

The other was Beatrice Chebet who won Gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m races.

Kipyegon revealed that her greatest motivation is her daughter. She explained that her daughter's role is crucial during her races.

Whenever Kipyegon falls short, her daughter routinely calls to ask why she didn't win. This consistent support drives Kipyegon to work even harder.

"My daughter is a great source of my motivation. On many occasions when I fall short of coming first, she calls to ask why I never win. I'm really motivated by that," she said.