Beatrice Chebet stunned the athletics world by outsprinting fellow Kenyan Faith Kipyegon to claim gold in the women’s 5,000 meters at the Tokyo World Championships. Chebet, who completed a remarkable 5,000- and 10,000m double with the win, crossed the finish line in 14 minutes 54.36 seconds, narrowly edging Kipyegon, who earned silver in 14 minutes 55.07 seconds. Italy’s Nadia Battocletti took bronze in 14 minutes 55.42 seconds, capping an impressive championship as she also won silver in the 10,000m. The race unfolded tactically in humid conditions, with Kipyegon making an early final-lap break. However, Chebet expertly countered her with a devastating finishing kick reminiscent of a 400m sprint. Chebet credited her calm mindset and self-belief for her victory, while Kipyegon praised the thrilling contest. Meanwhile, American Shelby Houlihan finished fourth, leaving Ethiopia without a distance title in Tokyo.
Reuters
