In a dramatic and exhilarating race at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Beatrice Chebet, a seasoned world medallist and record-holder, claimed Kenya’s first gold medal in the women’s 5000m, marking her debut at the Olympics with a resounding victory.
The 24-year-old Kenyan, already a double world medallist over 5000m, the world record-holder for 10,000m, a two-time world cross-country champion, and a world champion over 5km on the roads, added the coveted title of ‘Olympic champion’ to her impressive repertoire on Monday.
Chebet’s performance under the floodlights of Stade de France, amidst clear blue skies and a roaring crowd, was nothing short of electrifying as she outsprinted the pre-race favorite and world 5000m champion, Faith Kipyegon, to clinch gold in 14:26.17.
The women’s 5000m field was a showcase of elite talent, featuring defending Olympic champion Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands, Ethiopia’s world record-holder Gudaf Tsegay, and European champion Nadia Battocletti of Italy, alongside Chebet and Kipyegon.
Despite the presence of three current world record-holders, the race began at a conservative pace, with Kipyegon taking the early lead, trailed closely by her Kenyan teammates Chebet and Margaret Chelimo.
The race saw several shifts in leadership, with Norway’s Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal and Battocletti making early moves, followed by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye at the 3000m mark. As the race progressed, Kipyegon increased the pace, prompting a response from the pack, which dwindled to about eight athletes.
Tsegay briefly surged ahead, causing a collision with Kipyegon, but the field soon settled. Kipyegon then launched her final-lap kick, momentarily shaking off all competitors except Chebet.
Nicknamed ‘the smiling assassin’, Chebet remained composed and, with 80 meters to go, unleashed a burst of speed that Kipyegon could not match. Chebet overtook her compatriot on the home straight, securing gold with a time of 14:26.17.
Kipyegon, who initially finished second, was disqualified for obstruction but was later reinstated, clocking 14:29.60. Sifan Hassan claimed bronze in 14:30.61, while Battocletti set an Italian record of 14:31.64 for fourth place. Tsegay finished a distant ninth.
This victory is a significant milestone for Chebet, who earlier this year became the first woman to break 29 minutes for 10,000m, setting a world record of 28:54.14. With her focus now shifting to the longer event, Chebet is poised to pursue double Olympic glory in the 10,000m.
In addition to Chebet, both Hassan and Tsegay will also compete in the 10,000m, with Hassan aiming for a remarkable triple as she is set to run the marathon as well. Tsegay and Kipyegon will contest the 1500m, seeking further medals in their respective events.
Chebet’s triumph in Paris not only highlights her exceptional talent and determination but also marks a historic moment for Kenyan athletics, setting a high bar for future competitors.
As she stands on the pinnacle of her sport, the Olympic champion’s journey from world medallist to gold medallist is a testament to her unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit.
