In a bombshell that has rocked the athletics world, Ethiopian star Gudaf Tsegay has demanded organizers strip Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon of her hard-earned Athlos NYC 2025 crown, alleging doping just moments after Kipyegon’s triumphant mile victory. The accusation, backed by “irrefutable evidence,” has plunged the women’s-only event into chaos, forcing an emergency drug test that left fans worldwide gasping in disbelief.
Kipyegon, the triple Olympic 1500m champion and world record holder, dazzled the Icahn Stadium crowd on October 10, clocking a blistering 4:17.78 to claim the mile title and a staggering $60,000 prize. It was her second straight Athlos crown, solidifying her status as the “Queen of the Middle Distance.” But joy turned to pandemonium when Tsegay, who finished a close second in 4:19.75, stormed the podium, microphone in hand. “This isn’t fair play,” Tsegay thundered to stunned reporters. “I’ve got lab reports and witness statements showing Kipyegon used performance enhancers pre-race. Strip the crown – athletics deserves better!”
The rivalry between the two – already simmering from a controversial Paris Olympics clash where Tsegay’s “dirty tricks” nearly cost Kipyegon her 5000m silver – exploded into full-blown scandal. Tsegay, a three-time world champion and indoor 1500m record holder, presented blurry photos of alleged syringe remnants and insider tips from unnamed trainers. Athlos officials, backed by World Athletics, had no choice: Kipyegon was whisked away for an immediate out-of-competition test under the strictest protocols.
Social media erupted. #KipyegonDoping trended globally within minutes, with fans divided. “Tsegay’s bitter – sour grapes after another loss!” tweeted Kenyan supporters. Ethiopian backers countered: “Time to clean up the sport!” As the sun set over New York, Athlos CEO Alexis Ohanian addressed the frenzy: “Fairness is our core. Results pending – no stone unturned.”
Hours later, the hammer dropped: Kipyegon’s test came back negative. Clean as a whistle. The crown stays hers, and Tsegay faces potential backlash, including a formal investigation into her claims. Kipyegon, ever graceful, responded: “Rumors can’t dim true talent. Let’s run clean, run fair.” But whispers linger – is this payback for Paris, or a deeper doping plague in distance running?
This scandal eclipses even the recent bans on sprinter Erriyon Knighton and Ethiopian Diribe Welteji. As Athlos NYC wraps with stars like Serena Williams crowning victors, one question burns: Can trust return to the track? Kipyegon’s resilience shines, but Tsegay’s outburst has scarred women’s athletics. Stay tuned – the fallout could redefine rivalries forever.
