Handling a disqualification is never easy, especially when it happens on the grandest stage of all. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon of Kenya, a middle-distance runner with dreams of adding another victory to her illustrious career, faced a heart-wrenching moment during the women’s 5,000m race at the 33rd Olympics.

As the 1,500m world record holder, Kipyegon was one of the favorites to clinch the 5,000m title as well in Paris. But fate had a different plan. During the race, the 30-year-old athlete encountered a devastating turn of events when Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia, finishing eighth, tried to overtake her. The clash between the reigning women’s 1,500m world champion and Tsegay was nothing short of dramatic, as the Ethiopian edged past, causing a collision that would change everything.

Despite the setback, Kipyegon pressed on, finishing the race with the determination of a true champion. But when the final results were posted, a crushing “DQ” appeared beside her name. The news, shared just moments ago by Citius Mag founder Chris Chavez, sent shockwaves through the athletic community.

Faith Kipyegon, known for her grace under pressure and indomitable spirit, faced the bitter reality of disqualification on the Olympic stage. The impact of the decision was understandably difficult to come to terms with for the Kenyan, and she was later seen in the mixed zone dropped in the national flag and with tears rolling down her face.

However, the incident that resulted in the verdict has left track fans dumbfounded and many of them believe that Faith was only the innocent bystander who got into the thick of things. Larry Madowo, a correspondent for CNN, also pointed out in his post on X that even the commentators of the women’s 5,000m claimed that it should have been Tsegay disqualified instead of Kipyegon. The Kenyan icon is the latest in the long list of stars who have had to bow out from the Paris Olympics for failing to adhere to the rules of the IOC.

However, the heartbreak would only last for so long as a later post by Chavez revealed that Faith was reinstated into the 5,000m results, making her a silver medalist at the Paris Games. And yet, the initial verdict opened the floodgates to dissatisfaction among the fans.

Faith Kipyegon is the latest victim of controversial call in Paris

US swimming celebrity Gretchen Walsh’s sister Alex was disqualified after winning the bronze in the women’s 200m individual medley just a couple of days ago. After the completion of the race, World Aquatics opined that Walsh didn’t meet the rules during the backstroke leg of the race, and turned too soon. Her celebrations after finishing third were soon turned into a heartbreaking frown and Alex exited through the mixed zone without talking to the reporters.

18-year-ol sprinter Steven Sabino of Mozambique was also aghast when he was disqualified from competing in the men’s 100m heat for an early start. British swimmer Luke Greenbank was one of the favorites to win the men’s 200m backstroke. However, after exceeding the underwater 15m mark in his third turn during the heat, he too was barred from continuing his journey in the City of Love. With the 2024 Games still a long way from over, do you think more debatable situations will arise in the coming days? Tell us with a comment.