The Paris Olympics delivered unforgettable moments, pitting some of the world’s top track and field athletes against each other in electrifying showdowns. Fans may recall the fierce battles like Noah Lyles vs. Kishane Thompson in the 100m or Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone vs. Femke Bol in the 400m hurdles. But none of these high-stakes races matched the sheer drama of the 5000m clash between Faith Kipyegon and Gudaf Tsegay.

Both Kipyegon and Tsegay were favorites for gold, their rivalry intensifying as they vied for dominance on the track. But as the race unfolded, it became clear that this wasn’t just a contest of speed and endurance—it was a battle of wills. In a tense moment, both athletes simultaneously surged to take the lead, resulting in a chaotic and physical struggle. The usually composed Kipyegon found herself in the thick of it, caught in a push-and-shove altercation that threatened to derail her Olympic dreams.

“Unfortunately, when I wanted to lead the race, the Ethiopian also started moving up,” Kipyegon later recounted, hinting at the intensity of the clash. The drama didn’t end there. The altercation initially cost Kipyegon her silver medal, a devastating blow for the Kenyan star. But Kipyegon didn’t back down. “She came in strong, and I protested, telling her that she was pushing me inside and out of my tracks. She then started pushing me further inside, dramatically. At least I fought back and came back to my lane…” she revealed during an emotional interview on Citizen TV

“I forgave and forgot and allowed myself to move on,” said Faith Kipyegon. The 30-year-old revealed she was happy with her performance. Yet, minutes later, her happiness turned into sorrow as when the officials stripped the Queen of 1500m of her silver medal. Kipyegon cut the interviews short as he headed back to base, weeping and clearly distraught by the announcement.

Thankfully, the officials reinstated the Kenyan icon’s 5000m medal after further review shortly after midnight. The announcement cheered up the 4x Olympic medalist, who was on the cusp of making history in the 1500m event the following day. It would also turn out to be the day Tsegay apologized to Kipyegon.

When Gudaf Tsegay and Faith Kipyegon buried the hatchet

The 4x world champion made history on the day following the 500m drama in her marquee event. The middle-distance runner became the greatest 1500m specialist, winning her third consecutive Olympic gold. However, the historic night had more surprises in store for the track icon as Gudaf Tsegay met her after the medal ceremony.

“Tsegay came and knelt before me and told me she was very sorry, that it was not my fault but hers,” revealed Faith Kipyegon. “I just forgave her knowing that it is sports,” Kipyegon said about the Ethiopian Olympic gold medalist. The 4x Diamond League winner understood that the 5000m Olympic final was a high-stakes race like no other, and her rival may have gotten carried away. So instead of further adding to the drama, Faith Kipyegon forgave Tsegay, knowing that she’ll get another chance to best her her rival in the future.