Faith Kipyegon’s pursuit of another world title in the 1,500 meters has taken an unexpected twist after her fiercest competitor, Ethiopian star Diribe Welteji, was dramatically ruled out just hours before the opening heats in Tokyo.
The ruling came following a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which declared Welteji ineligible to compete pending the resolution of a doping-related appeal. The case revolves around allegations that she refused to provide a sample during an out-of-competition test earlier this year. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) contested Ethiopia’s initial clearance of the athlete and successfully sought provisional measures to suspend her until the appeal is finalized.
The development has left the 23-year-old, ranked second globally in the 1,500m, watching the championships from the sidelines. Welteji had been considered the strongest challenger to Kipyegon’s dominance, having already earned silver medals at the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 World Indoor Championships. Her absence removes one of the most anticipated rivalries of the competition, a showdown that athletics fans around the world were eager to witness.
For Faith Kipyegon, the ruling changes the competitive landscape considerably. While the Kenyan champion was already the overwhelming favorite, the removal of a proven contender not only eases her path in the early rounds but also reduces the tactical complexity expected in the final. Kipyegon has consistently demonstrated her ability to thrive under pressure, and many had anticipated another thrilling battle with Welteji to define the 2025 championship narrative.
Reactions to the ruling have been mixed. The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expressed disappointment, reiterating its support for its earlier decision to clear Welteji. On the other hand, the AIU maintained that the integrity of the sport required strict enforcement of anti-doping rules, even if it meant ruling athletes out during major competitions.
The fallout leaves athletics fans with a sense of what might have been. Kipyegon’s campaign now appears less threatened, but the sport loses the spectacle of a head-to-head clash between two of the finest middle-distance runners in the world. As the championships unfold, all eyes will be on whether Kipyegon can capitalize on the reduced competition and extend her incredible legacy on the global stage.
