Beatrice Chebet’s name has now been written among the legends of athletics after her incredible achievement in Tokyo, Japan.
The Kenyan star has shown great strength, focus, and determination throughout the World Athletics Championships, and her latest victory in the women’s 5,000 metres has confirmed her as one of the finest distance runners of her generation.
Chebet crossed the finish line in 14:54.36, a performance that not only earned her the gold medal but also made her a double world champion in the same championships.
This is because earlier in the competition, she had already won the 10,000 metres, making her one of the few women in history to achieve this rare double.
Her triumph in the 5,000 metres was even more special for Kenya, as her compatriot Faith Kipyegon, another world-class runner, secured the silver medal.
The two Kenyans gave their country a proud 1-2 finish on the global stage, reinforcing Kenya’s dominance in middle and long-distance races. Chebet’s win also increased Kenya’s gold medal tally to five, which shows the strength of the team as a whole. It was a moment of pride not just for the athletes themselves, but for the entire nation that continues to produce champions who shine in world competitions.
For most of the laps, the pack remained steady, with the top contenders conserving their energy for the closing stages. As the final lap approached, the pace quickened, and the competition came down to Chebet and Kipyegon. With only 100 metres to go, Kipyegon had taken the lead and looked set to secure another gold to add to her 1,500 metres title.
But Chebet, known for her devastating finishing kick, timed her move perfectly. She surged forward with great power, overtaking Kipyegon just before the line, and claimed the victory in style.
Kipyegon’s performance was still remarkable as she clocked 14:55.07, which was her season’s best. Her silver medal, combined with her earlier gold in the 1,500 metres, proved her consistency and excellence across different distances.
For Chebet, however, the victory carried extra weight. By winning both the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres at the same World Championships, she joined an exclusive group of only two other women who had ever managed this double before. It is an achievement that requires not just talent, but also incredible endurance, mental toughness, and careful race strategy.
Chebet’s success in Tokyo is a reminder of how much Kenyan athletes continue to inspire the world through their performances. Her journey to becoming a double world champion is one that will be remembered for years, and it sets an example for younger athletes who dream of reaching such heights.
In securing her place in history, Chebet has also carried her nation’s flag with honor, proving once again that Kenya remains a powerhouse in athletics.
