Rio de Janiero, Brazil -- After a rollercoaster of emotions, former Hawk Paul Chelimo can finally claim his Olympic silver medal in the men's 5000m. 

Crossing the line in a time of 13:03.90, Chelimo finished just behind Great Britain's Mo Farah (13:03.30). The win for Farah was his second gold of the Rio games as he also took top honors in the 10,000m earlier in the week.

The excitement, however, quickly turned to anger as he learned he had been disqualified for stepping out of bounds. An appeal was made stating that he was being pushed out, and wasn't looking to gain an unfair advantage by stepping out. And, ultimately, nearly one hour later he was reinstated and could officially celebrate his silver medal.

Fellow American's Bernard Lagat (13:06.68) and Hasan Mead (13:09.81) finished 5th and 11th, respectively.

Chelimo spent only one year at Shorter before transferring to and graduating from UNC Greensboro. While part of the Hawks in 2010-11, Chelimo turned in a historic freshman showing during the track season helping the men's team to both the indoor and outdoor NAIA national championships in 2011. While, also tallying four individual golds, two during each championship. During indoor he was the champion in the 3000m and was part of the winning distance medley team; while during outdoor he topped the podium in 5000m and 10,000m distances.

At UNCG he was the second place finisher in the 5000m at the NCAA DI outdoor championships in both 2012 and 2013.