Kigyegon leads Chepchirchir, Ejore into Olympics 1500m semis

The double Olympic champion clocked 4:00.74 to finish fourth in the second heat that was won by world 1500m silver medallist Diribe Welteji of Ethiopia.

In the Monday’s night drama, the world 1500m record holder almost lost her 5000m silver medal, after she was controversially disqualified for obstruction before the Jury of Appeal reinstated the medal.

Kipyegon is bidding to become the first woman first woman to win the same individual track event three times at the Olympics after Rio and Tokyo triumphs.

“I was a little bit tired after yesterday’s final but I was ready for today’s race. I will now fully focus on the 1500m because yesterday’s issues have been handled well.”

Chepchirchir reigned supreme in the last heat, clocking 4:02.67 to storm the semifinals ahead of Jessica Hull of Australia and Elle St. Pierre of US.

“Our aim is to qualify all of us for the final. We will strategise towards the semis and ensure we are all in the final because that gives more morale.

“It’s my first Olympics and I feel honoured to have reached this stage.”

Olympics debutant Ejore finished third in the first heat that was won by former world champion Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia who clocked 3:58.84.

Tsegay could line up against Kipyegon once again after the two were embroiled in an infringement controversy on Monday.

The semi-finals and final for the race is slated for Thursday and Saturday respectively.