Beatrice Chebet has won Kenya’s first gold medal in the ongoing Olympic Games finals in Paris, France, after conquering the 5000m women’s race on Monday, August 6, 2024.
Chebet clocked 14:28.56 to win her first gold medal and second Kenya’s gold medal in the 5000m Olympics after Vivian Cheruyoit in 2016.
Chebet, the runner-up at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene and a bronze medallist in Budapest last year sprinted home to win a dramatic race which saw Faith Kipyegon disqualified but then later reinstated.
The 24-year-old produced a thrilling finish to cross the line in 14 minutes and 28.56 seconds ahead of compatriot Kipyegon.
The reigning world champion was quickly stripped of her silver medal for obstruction during a clash with Gudaf Tsegay.
However, Kipyegon was eventually reinstated in second place following a successful Kenyan appeal to World Athletics.
The gold winner, who was also debuting at the Olympics, will pocket Ksh3 million.