Bhubaneswar: Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet sealed her place in athletics history with a spectacular double gold at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on September 20. After clinching the 10,000m title the previous week, Chebet outpaced her compatriot and 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon to win the 5000m in 14:54.36, repeating her double feat from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In a tactical and slow-paced race, Chebet and Kipyegon closely followed Italy’s Nadia Battocletti before Chebet unleashed a powerful finish in the final 60 meters, leaving Kipyegon just behind with 14:55.07. Battocletti took bronze with 14:55.42. This victory made Chebet only the third woman, after Tirunesh Dibaba (2005) and Vivian Cheruiyot (2011), to win both the 10,000m and 5000m titles at the same World Championships.
At 25, Chebet is enjoying a historic career, holding Olympic and world titles across 5000m and 10,000m, along with world cross country and road race titles, plus world records in multiple long-distance events. Speaking on her win, she said, “Running with the likes of Faith and Nadia, you just have to believe in yourself. This was not an easy race, but I came without pressure, knowing I should not stress. Whether you win or lose, you must believe in yourself and come back stronger.”
Chebet praised the motivation she draws from her friendship with Kipyegon, who echoed, “Beatrice is the best. It was a battle to the finish line, and I’m grateful to take silver. My prayer was just to be on the podium.”
This stunning double caps a dominating season for Chebet and solidifies her status as Kenya’s long-distance queen on the world stage. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and formidable finishing kick continue to inspire fans and competitors alike.
Discussion about this post