Faith Kipyegon’s Silver Medal Drama: Disqualification and Appeal Lead to Medal Restoration

The 2024 Paris Olympics has been one for the books for Kenya, with a lagging performance and unexpected challenges. During the women’s 5000 metres race, Faith Kipyegon almost lost her silver medal to a disqualification.

World champion Faith Kipyegon won the silver medal in women’s 5000 metres race only to have it taken away after being disqualified. According to the referees she was disqualified for violating Rule TR17.2.2 (163.2(b)), which pertains to jostling or obstruction.

During the race, at the last 800 metres, Faith Kipyegon raised her hands in frustration after Ethopia’s Gudaf Tsegey tried to box her.  She however gripped herself and continued with the race moving past the rest.

For most part of the last lap, Faith was taking the lead until the last 60 metres when Kenyan Beatrice Chebet overtook her and took home the gold medal, finishing at 14:28:56. Faith came in second securing the silver medal.

The referees then disqualified her for her raising her hands but it was not brushed aside by the Kenyan team who immediately sought an appeal. The team argued that the incident between Kipyegon and Tsegay was an informality due to the tension in the race.

The Olympics panel agreed that the disqualification was unjustified and reinstated the silver medal back to Kipyegon. Faith now waits for the women’s 1500 metres race at the semi-finals on Thursday.

In Kenya, Kipyegon’s achievement as well as other Kenyan athletes have had a tangible impact to the local real estate market. Her success and growing recognition of the Kenyan athletes has increased interest in upscale properties and luxury homes, reflecting the rising economic status and influence of theKenyan athletes.