'Ethiopia's Tsegay knelt and apologised': Faith Kipyegon speaks on drama at Paris Olympic race

Speaking on Citizen TV's JKLive Show on Wednesday, Kipyegon opened up on the circumstances which led to physical shoving between her and Ethiopian World record-holder Gudaf Tsegay who she says later approached her and apologised.

Kipyegon said the intense physical few seconds almost led to her being pushed out of the race but she battled and fought her way back, at the same time maintaining her balance.

She emerged second after Kenya's Beatrice Chebet who won the race before Sifan Hassan, of the Netherlands, finished third.

"In a race, you have to concentrate a lot; I thank Beatrice Chebet, and Margaret Chelimo for the teamwork we had. Unfortunately, when I wanted to lead the race, the Ethiopian also started moving up," she explained.

"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...it took a lot in my mind. But I forgave and forgot and allowed myself to move on."

The Olympian says Tsegay eventually came, knelt and sought her forgiveness acknowledging that she (Tsegay) had fouled Kipyegon. Kipyegon on her part forgave her and the two remained pals.

"After the following day's 1500m hits, Tsegay came and knelt before me and told me she was very sorry, that it was not my fault but hers, 'please forgive me'. I just forgave her knowing that it is sports and we will meet again another time and we need each other to compete," she said.

Kipyegon who now holds a world record for winning an Olympic three-peat as the greatest 1,500m runner, divulged that contrary to assertions that she was disappointed for coming second in the race, she was actually proud of the achievement.

She clarified that her only disappointment would have been to be disqualified after doing her best.

"I didn't think I would be disqualified after finishing my race. Most people are saying that I was disappointed in getting a Silver medal, but I was not. I was disappointed by getting a disqualification for not knowing what I did," she noted.

"I was happy during my first interview that I won a silver medal before I was told that I had been disqualified in my second interview...I was disappointed."