INCHEON, South Korea: Bahrain’s Kenya-born runner Ruth Jebet finally claimed her Asian Games gold medal yesterday after the Gulf state fought to get her reinstalled as the 3,000m steeplechase champion.
The 17-year-old had been distraught after her disqualification for stepping inside the track was announced just as the medal was to be presented on Saturday night.
Jebet stood emotionless on the podium for the new ceremony with second-placed runner Li Zhenzhu of China and bronze winner Lalita Babar of India.
“After the problem I had yesterday with the line I was so worried,” she said.
“I’m very happy today because I have my medal. This is a big medal for me,” Jebet said.
“I was not aware of the mistake but after a while I realised I had done a mistake.”
Jebet was reinstated after a review of the race found that her mistake on the penultimate lap had not impeded another runner or influenced the race outcome.
But it took frantic meetings between Asian Athletics Association (AAA) officials and delegates from Bahrain, China and India.
“The jury reviewed all of the protests by the three Olympic committees and they confirmed that there was no violation of the rules and the gold medal will be given again to Bahrain runner Ruth Jebet,” Olympic Council of Asia games director Haidar Farman said.
Jebet destroyed the field in Saturday’s race, crossing the line in nine minutes, 31.36 seconds, more than 24 seconds inside the Games record. AFP
