Double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon and world 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet made a strong statement at the Paris Games on Friday evening, securing victories in the 5000m semi-finals at Stade de France.
In her Olympic debut for the 12.5-lap race, Kipyegon demonstrated her unbeatable final sprint in the last 100m, outpacing a field of elite competitors, including reigning champion Sifan Hassan and record holder Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia.
Kipyegon, also aiming for a three-peat in the 1500m, finished in 14:57.56 to advance to the final. Hassan followed closely, clocking 14:57.65, with both athletes set to renew their rivalry in the final, along with Tsegay, who placed fifth with a season’s best of 14:57.84.
“I’m happy to have qualified for the final and I’m looking forward to good results. The weather was a bit tough, but I was ready for anything. The track was unique and amazing with its purple color, and it felt good on my feet. I hope this brings glory in the final,” said Kipyegon, the 1500m world record holder.
World cross-country bronze medallist Margret Chelimo also advanced to the final, set for August 5, finishing fourth in her heat with a time of 14:57.70.
In the second heat, Chebet clocked 15:00.73 to comfortably qualify for the final, edging out Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa, who finished second.
“I focused on qualifying and didn’t push too hard to conserve energy for the final,” said Chebet. “We will strategize for the final because our goal is a clean sweep. Teamwork will be crucial, and there’s no domestic rivalry we’re all Team Kenya. If any of us wins gold, we will all celebrate together.”
Kipyegon, Tsegay, and Chebet, who are the world record holders over 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m, respectively, along with reigning champion Hassan, will all compete in the final, setting the stage for an intense and thrilling showdown.
