By Debra Rono
Following the disqualification in the 5000M race on Monday night, Faith Kipyegon successfully advanced to the semi-finals of the 1500M after securing fourth place in heat 2 on Tuesday morning. The heat was won by Ethiopian athlete Diribe Welteji, who recorded a time of 3:59.73.
The seemingly tired Faith ran a late 5000M race the previous evening and had her silver medal stripped her of the medal due to allegations of obstructing Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay. Her Silver was later reinstated after the Kenyan team officials appealed the decision.
Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay also qualified for the 1500M semi-finals, finishing first in heat 1, setting the stage for a potential rematch in the semi-finals.
At the Paris Olympics, the world record holder in the 1500M acknowledged her fatigue but expressed her determination to remain focused for the upcoming heats.
“To be honest, I feel tired after last night but I am feeling good. This is a different race and my traditional race. My focus is fully on making Kenyans proud. I have no comment after yesterday as it was hard. This is a sport and I am Faith, I’ve always participated fairly and all in all, I am now focused on 1500m. I have to keep going, it will be beautiful,” stated Kipyegon.
Additionally, debutants Nelly Jepchirchir and Susan Ejore qualified for the 1500M women’s semi-finals, finishing first and third, respectively, in their heats.
The US-based Susan Ejore qualified after running 3:30:01 behind Great Britain’s Laura Muir who ran 3:58:91. The heat was won by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay who finished first with 3:58:04.
Nelly Jepchirchir won heat three with 4:02:67 ahead of Australia’s Jessica Hull who ran 4:02:70. USA’s Elle St. Pierre came in third with 4:03:22.
All eyes will be on these young athletes during the semi-finals on Thursday and the finals on Saturday.