Kenya Hails Historic Double World Record Feats by Kipyegon and Chebet
Kenya is basking in glory following a historic night of athletics dominance that saw Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet smash two world records, reaffirming the country’s status as a global athletics powerhouse.
Retired Colonel (Rtd Col.) Jack Tuwei, President of Athletics Kenya, led the celebrations, describing the achievements as “a major milestone in our sporting history.” He praised Kipyegon for obliterating her own 1500m world record by an incredible 0.36 seconds, clocking 3:48.08, and becoming the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes with a time of 3:58.71 just days earlier.
“This is a great achievement. She had just come from competing in Paris, and many thought she was too tired to deliver. But with determination, she proved otherwise,” Tuwei remarked.
Kipyegon also previously bagged gold in both the 1500m and 5000m at the Paris Olympics, solidifying her legendary status. Speaking at the event, an emotional Kipyegon thanked her supporters, family, and training institutions for enabling her journey. “I’m so grateful. I tried my best to be the best in the world,” she said.
Beatrice Chebet added to Kenya’s triumph by becoming the first woman in history to run the 5000m in under 14 minutes, recording a groundbreaking 13:58.06 in Oregon. Tuwei lauded Chebet’s feat as “another first for a human being, doing their very best,” also noting her gold medals in both the 5000m and 10,000m at the Paris Olympics.
Chebet humbly expressed her appreciation: “No matter the challenges we go through, we make sure we carry our flag. I’m grateful to my fellow athletes and to everyone who supports us.”
Agnes Ngetich was also acknowledged for holding the world record in the 10-kilometre road race and finishing second in Oregon behind Chebet.
Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi emphasized the broader impact of the athletes’ victories, stating: “These achievements are not only personal milestones but also a symbol of Kenya’s enduring legacy in athletics.”
Tuwei confirmed that team selection trials for the upcoming Tokyo World Championships would be held on June 22 at the Olympic Stadium Complex, with athletes invited based on strict qualification criteria.
As Kenya celebrates these world-beating performances, the message is clear: the nation’s stars continue to shine, lifting Kenyan athletics to unmatched global heights.
