Kenya’s long-distance runner Beatrice Chebet staged a remarkable final lap sprint in the women’s 10,000m, clinching Kenya’s first gold medal at the ongoing World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
Chebet managed to outkick former champion Gudaf Tsegay from Ethiopia with a powerful 200-meter surge as she crossed the line in 30:37.61.
She has now cemented her legacy, adding the world title to her existing Olympic 10,000m and 5,000m championships.
“Today I’m extremely happy. Coming to Tokyo, I was aware I didn’t have a World Championship gold medal, so I pushed myself to come and get it. I have a World Cross Country medal, I’m an Olympic champion, and now I’m a world champion. I’m so proud of myself,” she said.
“Let me thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. My coach, my family, Athletics Kenya, the ministry, and Kenya at large – I want to say thank you for your support.”
Italy’s Nadia Battocletti secured the silver medal with a time of 30:38.23, while Tsegay settled for bronze in 30:39.65.
Another Kenyan, Agnes Ngetich, finished just off the podium in fourth place with a time of 30:42.66.
For her incredible performance, Chebet is set to receive Ksh 9 million from World Athletics and an additional three million in incentives promised by President William Ruto for any gold medal won.
