Olympian Faith Kipyegon’s Medal Reinstated After Controversial Ruling

Faith Kipyegon’s Olympic experience has been a rollercoaster.

The athlete from Kenya found herself at the center of a controversial ruling during the women’s 5,000-meter final event August 5. Despite crossing the finish line second, she was disqualified due to a physical altercation between her and Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay with just over two laps left.

The disqualification initially resulted in Kipyegon’s silver medal being revoked, behind her teammate Beatrice Chebet, only for it to be reinstated once again.

So, what exactly happened?

Around 4,200 meter mark, Kipyegon was in the lead followed by her teammates Chebet and Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi while Tsegay was in the fourth position before surging ahead and made a move for that first spot.

In doing so, Tsegay cut in from the outside on Kipyegon’s right—in response, Kipyegon appeared to touch Tsegay’s left elbow, after which the athlete’s further tangled causing Kipyegon to almost lose her balance and come off the track.

The two athletes also appeared to exchange tense words as they ran, with fellow Kenyan Chibet also seeming to say something to Tsegay.