Paris 2024 witnessed a thrilling climax to the women's 5,000 meters as Kenya's Beatrice Chebet sprinted to gold, leaving a trail of drama and controversy in her wake.
The 24-year-old showcased exceptional tactical prowess, timing her move to perfection to overtake compatriot Faith Kipyegon on the home straight. Chebet crossed the line in a time of 14 minutes and 28.56 seconds, securing Kenya's first gold medal of the Paris Games.
Initially, the joy of victory was tempered by a controversial disqualification of Kipyegon, the reigning world champion. A clash with Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay saw her stripped of the silver medal, with Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands elevated to second place.
However, a dramatic turn of events unfolded as Kenya successfully appealed the decision, resulting in Kipyegon's reinstatement to the silver medal position. The decision sent shockwaves through the stadium and ultimately demoted Hassan to bronze.
The 5,000 meters final was not the only highlight for Kenya on the track. Mary Moraa secured a bronze medal in the women's 800 meters, adding to the nation's medal tally. Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson claimed gold, while Ethiopia's Tsige Duguma took silver.
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