Kipyegon, Chebet and Chelimo storm Paris Games 5000m final

Double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon and world 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet Friday evening made a huge statement of intent at the Paris Games as the two red-hots romped to victories in 5000m semi-finals at Stade de France.

Making her Olympic debut in the 12.5 lap-race, Kipyegon unleashed her unmatched final kick in the last 100m to edge a sparkling array of world beaters that included reigning champion Sifan Hassan and record holder Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia.

Kipyegon, who is also eyeing an Olympic three-peat in 1500m, timed 14 mins 57.56 seconds to storm to the final while her archrival Sifan came home second clocking 14 mins 57.65. The duo will renew their rivalry in the final along Tsegay who placed fifth in a season’s best time of 14:57.84.

“I’m happy to have qualified for the final and I’m looking forward to good results. Weather was a bit tough but I was ready for anything.

“The track was unique and it was just amazing seeing the purple track. It was good on my feet and I hope this can bring glory in the final,” said the 1500m world record holder.

World cross-country bronze medallist Margret Chelimo also sailed through to the final set for August 5 after she finished fourth in the first qualifying heat clocking 14:57.70.

Chebet clocked 15:00.73 to easily cruise to the final in the second heat edging Medina Eisa of Ethiopia who came home second.

“I was only focusing on qualifying and I didn’t go hard on myself so as to preserve enough energy for the final.”

“We will strategize now ahead of the final because our plan is to have a clean sweep. Team work will really help and no domestic rivalry, we’re all Team Kenya and if any of us wins gold we will all celebrate,” said Chebet.

Kipyegon, Tsegay and Kibet, who are the world record-holders over 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m, alongside the reigning champion Hassan- will all meet in the final in what is set to be an intense and exhilarating clash.