Beatrice Chebet Determined to Win Second Gold in Tokyo

Beatrice Chebet was among our list of athletes to win gold in Tokyo, and she is showing no signs of slowing down as she gears up for another shot at glory at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, setting her sights on the 5,000m title.

Fresh from clinching her maiden world crown in the 10,000m, Chebet is fueled with even greater hunger to extend her winning streak. Her victory on Sunday not only marked her first-ever world title but also delivered Kenya’s opening gold medal at this year’s championships.

At just 25, Chebet has already built an impressive résumé, boasting two Olympic titles and two World Cross Country golds. Yet, the Tokyo triumph filled the only gap in her collection. Now, her focus has shifted to doubling up, as she looks to secure the 5,000m crown in Japan.

Chebet enters the race as the favorite, having remained unbeaten in the 5,000m since striking gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. To further cement her status, she shattered the world record over the distance only two months ago.

“I always say I have to be a champion, so I have to die hard, that is how I push myself to the finish line,” Chebet revealed in an interview with Telecomasia.

What Fuels Her Belief

“For me, the only thing that matters is pushing to the very end and giving my best. This win means a lot because it’s my first at the World Championships,” she explained. “I already had Olympic and World Cross Country titles, but missing the World crown was driving me when I hit the last 200m in that 10,000m race.”

Chebet also highlighted the historical weight of her achievement. “I realized the last time Kenya won this race was in 2015. To bring it back a decade later means so much, especially since it was last claimed by Vivian Cheruiyot in Beijing.”

But the 5,000m gold won’t come easily. Standing in her way is defending champion and close friend Faith Kipyegon, who is also chasing a double after retaining her 1,500m title. Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, eager for redemption after losing to Chebet in the 10,000m, adds another formidable challenge.