Chebet’s sprint finish lifts Kenya higher on medal table after another gold
Beatrice Chebet(right) and Faith Kipyegon Photo/File
When Beatrice Chebet outkicked Faith Kipyegon in a thrilling women’s 5,000m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, she didn’t just win a race—she sealed a sweep of distance golds and gave Kenya a surge in the medals table.
Chebet crossed the line in 14:54.36, a fraction ahead of Kipyegon who took silver in 14:55.07, completing a stunning double after her 10,000m gold.
Kenya now has six gold medals, along with two(2) silver and two(2) bronze medals, placing the country in second place on the standings overall at the Championships as of that night.
It’s a strong showing for the team, largely built on middle- and long-distance dominance.
The 10,000m victory came earlier in the meet when Chebet, known for her finishing kick, surged ahead in the final lap to take the world title in 30:37.61.
That win set her up for this latest finish in the 5,000m, a race many had circled after witnessing her mix of endurance and speed across the Tokyo track.
In the 5,000m final, Kipyegon had hoped to double up after her 1,500m win, but Chebet had other plans. Nadia Battocletti of Italy edged ahead of the field to take bronze with a time very close behind.
As Kenyans celebrated, Chebet herself reflected on mental calm as much as physical strength.
“Running with the likes of Faith and Nadia you just have to believe in yourself. Today was not an easy race,” she said.
Her strategy? No extra pressure, just confidence.
The impact of her win is more than just personal glory.
It puts Kenya in commanding position, reminding the world that its strength in distance running remains unparalleled.
With Emmanuel Wanyonyi having also claimed gold in the men’s 800m and Faith Cherotich taking steeplechase gold recently, Kenya’s medal haul is broadening slightly in events beyond its usual dominance.
Faith Kipyegon’s silver in this 5,000m adds to Kenya’s tally of podium finishes, even if she narrowly missed out on gold.
Meanwhile, other Kenyan athletes whose names surfaced in earlier rounds—like Dorcus Ewoi and Reynold Cheruiyot—have also brought home silvers and bronzes, fortifying the team’s overall performance.
Tokyo is not over yet, and with several finals still to run, Kenya could climb even higher on the medal table.
But for now, Chebet’s double gold places the country as a serious rival for the top spot, a reminder that when it comes to distance running, Kenya is still very much in command.