Kenya has finally secured its first gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is after Beatrice Chebet bagged the 5000M race at the Stade De France on Monday evening. Chebet delivered a well-measured run over the 12-and-a-half laps. She the gave a climactic and thrilling finish to win the maiden gold medal for Kenya. She produced a devastating kick over the final stretch to beat compatriot Faith Kipyegon. Chebet now termed as the “smiling assassin”, smiled widely as she crossed the line with a winning time of 14 minutes, 28.56 seconds.
Faith Kipyegon, who finished second to win the Silver medal, was initially disqualified. This is following a line infringement incident between her and Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay with two laps to go. Her silver medal was reinstated following an appeal by the Kenyan team. This in turn pushed Hassan down to bronze-medal position and bumping Battocletti off the podium. Taking to x, Athletics Kenya has commended Faith for putting up a good fight and not losing hope despite the hiccups.
“Congratulations to Faith Kipyegon, her silver medal has been reinstated,”
The race was seen as a the battle of the three fastest women in history. Defending champion Hassan, reigning world champion Faith Kipyegon and world record holder Tsegay were all out to not only outdo the other but to also defend their titles. However, the “smiling assassin” changed the narrative after upscaling her game in the homestretch later on winning the race.
President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga have led Kenyans is celebrating athletes Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon. taking to his account on X, the president has commended Beatrice Chebet for securing Kenya’s maiden gold medal in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. This particular win comes with an appreciation package of up to 5million once the gold medalist comes back to Kenya.