Beatrice Chebet on Saturday, September 20, won the women’s 5,000 metres at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo to secure her second title of the competition.
Already the 10,000m champion, Chebet stormed to victory in 14:54.36, extending Kenya’s tally of gold medals to five.
Close behind was her teammate and long-time friend Faith Kipyegon, who earned silver with a time of 14:55.07.
Italy’s Nadia Battocletti completed the podium after finishing third in 14:55.42.
The win sparked a wave of congratulatory messages from Kenyan leaders, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen hailing Chebet’s triumph and Kipyegon’s strong performance.
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"Congratulations, Beatrice Chebet, on your golden triumph in the women’s 5000m at the World Championships in Tokyo! What a phenomenal performance and inspiration to millions to secure your second gold and the fifth for Kenya.
"Kudos also to the unstoppable Faith Kipyegon for securing a silver. This spectacular performance once again showcases the strength, resilience, and spirit of our athletes and nation," he said.
Head of Public Service Alex Koskei praised Chebet’s composure on the track and the pride she brought to the nation.
"What would you do if you were Beatrice Chebet, with the roar of the stadium echoing, the weight of a nation on your shoulders, every stride a test of resolve? You’d probably falter. But not Chebet. She held her ground, rose above the noise, and delivered victory in the 5000 metres.
"Congratulations to Beatrice Chebet on her triumph, and to Faith Kipyegon for a valiant performance. Kenya celebrates you both," he remarked.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua also joined in the celebration, underlining Kenya’s global dominance in athletics.
"Congratulations to Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon for delivering a historic 1–2 finish in the 5000M final at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Chebet struck gold while Kipyegon secured silver, showcasing Kenya’s dominance on the global stage. Your resilience and brilliance continue to inspire the nation and bring immense pride to Kenya," he stated.
On Saturday, September 13, Chebet clinched gold in the women’s 10,000 metres at the championships.
She crossed the finish line in 30:37.61, holding off Battocletti, who took silver in 30:38.23, and Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, who settled for bronze in 30:39.65.
On the other hand, on Tuesday, September 16, Kipyegon won the women’s 1500 in a record time of 3:52.12, claiming her fourth world title.
Behind her, teammate Dorcus Ewoi surged into silver with a 3:54.71 finish, securing a one-two finish for the country. Australia’s Jessica Hull clocked 3:55.89 to take bronze.
Speaking after the race, Kipyegon reflected on her journey and what the win means to her and her country.
"This victory means so much to me and to Kenya. To come here to Tokyo and win again at the world stage is a blessing. I want to thank my family, my coaches, and the Kenyan fans who always believe in me,” she said in a post-race interview with World Athletics.
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