Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet has clinched Kenya’s first gold medal at the World Championships in Tokyo after winning the women’s 10,000m in 30:37.61 today .
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chebet’s victory ended a decade-long drought in the event, last won in 2015 by Vivian Cheruiyot in Beijing. Kenya has been yearning for a long time to win the said race.
Italian Nadia Battocletti held on strong and settled for silver in a national record of 30:38.23, becoming second.
Battocletti was a close competitor of Kenya’s Chebet over the final 200 metres, outpacing 2023 gold medallist Gudaf Tsegay and road world record holder Agnes Ngetich in hot, humid conditions.
Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay finished third in 30:39.65 to clinch bronze, with Ngetich settling for fourth position in 30:42.66.
Chebet’s triumph marks a major milestone not only for Kenya’s athletics campaign but also for herself.
She’s now the world record holder, the reigning Olympic champion, and the world champion in the women’s 10,000-meter race.
On her arrival back home, Chebet is guaranteed an enhanced reward of Sh3 million as promised by President William Ruto for each gold medallist.
Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon, Dorcus Ewoi, Nelly Chepchirchi,r and Susan Ejore have all qualified for the women’s 1500m semifinals at the World Athletics Championships.
Kenya’s lineup of strong and experienced athletes in the race could guarantee the country a straight podium finish in the final if they go past the semis.
