Doris Lemngole appeared to make NCAA history Saturday night at the 2026 NCAA Track and Field Championships.
About an hour later, the result changed.
The Alabama star crossed the finish line first in the women's 5,000 meters in 15:11.71, seemingly securing the sixth NCAA title of her career and adding another chapter to one of the most dominant distance-running résumés in collegiate history.
FloTrack first reported the change.
"It is what it is and you know I'm proud of myself proud of," she said.
Instead, Lemngole was disqualified after the race for a lane violation, handing the national championship to New Mexico's Marion Jepngetich.
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According to the official results, Lemngole was disqualified under Rule 15.5-3g for taking too many steps over the inside line during the race. The NCAA results were later updated to show Jepngetich as the national champion in a personal-best 15:13.01. Iowa State freshman Mercyline Kirwa moved into second in 15:13.72, while Florida freshman Judy Chepkoech finished third in a personal-best 15:14.05.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS - Doris Lemngole has been DQ'ed after originally winning the NCAA 5K Title.
— FloTrack (@FloTrack) June 14, 2026
Lemngole was DQ'ed for taking too many steps over the inside line under rule R: 15.5-3g.
She originally captured the victory in 15:11.71. Marion Jepngetich has been awarded the win but… pic.twitter.com/SjMJeE7qcl
The decision immediately became one of the biggest storylines of the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Alabama protested the ruling, leaving the final outcome under review. If upheld, the disqualification would erase what would have been Lemngole's sixth NCAA title and one of the most significant victories of her collegiate career.
For now, Jepngetich stands as the NCAA champion, but the controversy surrounding the race is likely to remain one of the defining moments of the championships.
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