Kenya Becomes the First Nation to Win All World Athletics Championship Distance Golds in Tokyo

Kenya etched its name into athletics history at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, becoming the first nation to win every women’s distance event. From the high-speed 800m to the demanding marathon, Kenyan runners displayed unmatched dominance, marking one of the greatest campaigns ever seen at the global stage. Check our comprehensive list of all athletes who won gold.

Women’s Made History

Faith Kipyegon, already hailed as a middle-distance legend, added another chapter to her illustrious career by winning her fourth world title in the 1500m. However, her quest for double glory was interrupted in the 5000m final, where fellow Kenyan Beatrice Chebet unleashed a blistering final lap to claim gold.

Chebet had already set the tone earlier by winning the 10,000m with a perfectly executed late surge, proving her versatility across distances. In the steeplechase, young star Faith Cherotich made her mark with a fearless run, storming to victory in a championship record of 8:51.59. On the marathon course, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir showcased patience and grit, outkicking Ethiopian rival Tigst Assefa in the final stretch to secure another memorable gold.

The drama reached its peak in the 800m, where Lilian Odira stunned the world with a record-breaking 1:54.62. She outpaced Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson in a breathtaking finish, while defending champion Mary Moraa could only manage seventh. Odira’s triumph set the tone for a golden sweep unlike anything witnessed before.

A Historic Golden Haul

By the end of the championships, Kenya had collected 7 golds, with Emmanuel Wanyonyi being the only male champion after his brilliant performance in the men’s 800m. Alongside the golds, the team earned a total of 11 medals, finishing second on the medal table.

What stood out most, however, was the unprecedented clean sweep of women’s distance events. No nation in World Championships history had ever managed to dominate across all endurance categories in a single edition. For Kenya, long recognized as the home of distance running, Tokyo 2025 was more than just another successful outing it was the moment their women runners redefined the limits of excellence.

This historic campaign not only highlighted Kenya’s athletic depth but also cemented the country’s reputation as the powerhouse of world distance running. For generations to come, the Tokyo triumph will remain a symbol of Kenyan endurance, resilience, and brilliance on the global stage.