Chebet’s Paris triumph fueled by record-breaking feats

Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet has credited her record-breaking performances in Barcelona and Eugene to her historic triumph at the Paris Olympics.

Chebet dominated the women's long-distance races at the Paris Games, clinching the 5,000m Olympic title in 14:58.26 and the 10,000m in 30:43.25.

This feat made her only the third woman in history, after Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba and Netherlands Sifan Hassan, to claim both titles at the Olympics.

Chebet said breaking the 5km road race and 10,000m as well as defending her World Cross country title were major motivations in Paris.

“I ended last year with the world record in the 5 km road race after which I went on to defend my world cross-country title. Breaking the world record also pushed me to perform exceedingly well in Paris,” Chebet stated.

Chebet smashed the women’s 5km Road race record on December 31 at the Cursa dels Nassos Road race in Barcelona, Spain, clocking 14:13, to improve on the previous 14:29 record held by Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi.

In March, she defended her world cross-country title after clocking 31:05 in Belgrade, Serbia while also improving her time from last year’s triumph in Bathurst, Australia, where she clocked 33:48.

At the Prefontaine Classic on May 25 in Eugene, Chebet broke Letesenbet Gidey's 10,000m world record of 29:01.03 after posting 28:54.14 to become the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier. 

However, Chebet acknowledged that winning both Olympic gold medals was not easy. 

“I am happy being a double Olympic champion in my first Olympic appearance. It was not easy getting that gold medal and I had to fight for it,” she stated.

Her family, fellow athletes and the government played a key role in her Paris triumph.

“I thank the government, the Ministry of Sports, NOCKK, AK, my family, friends, my fellow athletes and coaches for their support and for believing in me,” she noted.

Alongside fellow athletes and officials, Chebet arrived in the country on Tuesday night to a warm reception.

“I thank God because we have arrived in the country safe. This is my first time receiving such a reception after jetting back to the country. It is really encouraging,” Chebet said. 

Elsewhere, Faith Kipyegon solidified her status as the greatest 1,500m runner of all time by clinching her third consecutive Olympic title.

The world 1,500m and Mile record holder believes her historic triumph will be motivational for young female athletes.

“It was a good feeling standing on the podium, knowing I am the greatest 1,500m female runner of all time. I know it will inspire a lot of young girls,” Kipyegon noted.

Kipyegon is currently the only three-time Olympic champion in the 1,500m having won the first title in Rio 2016, and second in Tokyo 2020 before sealing the hat-trick at the Paris Games.

She revealed her primary goal was to defend her title as well as make history.

“My biggest goal going to Paris was to defend my 1,500m title and make history at the Olympics,” she stated.

Not only did Kipyegon secure the title, but she also broke her Olympic record of 3:53.11 set in Tokyo after she clocked 3:51.29 in Paris.

She further highlighted the 5,000m fiasco had drained a lot of energy from her and was surprised she was able to come back strong to secure the 1,500m title.

“The 5,000m took a lot of energy from me. Winning a silver medal and finding out you have been disqualified was emotional. I was surprised I was able to come back strong and defend my title in the 1,500m,” Kipyegon revealed.

She noted that seeing the President congratulate her, on his X, formerly Twitter page, was inspirational.

“I saw the president’s message congratulating me on X and it was inspirational,” Kipyegon said.

The focus now is on resting and being with her family. “I am going back home to be with my family and rest. From there I will plan on my next steps.”

Receiving the athletes at the JKIA on Tuesday night were Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen, PS Peter Tum and the secretary of administration for sports Evans Achoki.

Murkomen revealed that the President would officially receive the team on Thursday.

“On behalf of the ministry and the government, we received the athletes to ensure they got back in the country safe and sound,” Murkomen stated.

“On Thursday morning, the President will officially receive the team and have a small ceremony in honour of the great performance from team Kenya,” he added.