Beatrice Chebet, the 24-year-old Kenyan track star, made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first Kenyan woman to win the 10,000m gold medal.
This feat came just four days after she had won the 5000m gold, making her only the third woman in history to accomplish the 5000m and 10,000m double at the same Olympic Games.
Chebet’s journey to Olympic glory began at the Prefontaine Classic in May 2024, where she shattered the women’s 10,000m world record with a stunning time of 28:54.14.
This performance not only secured her a spot on the Kenyan Olympic team but also set the stage for her historic run in Paris.
In the 5000m final, Chebet outpaced her compatriot Faith Kipyegon, who was initially disqualified but later reinstated to second place after a successful appeal by the Kenyan team.
Chebet’s winning time of 14:28.56 in the 5000m marked the beginning of her golden journey in Paris.
The 10,000m final saw Chebet running a tactical race, staying in the middle of the pack for most of the race.
With two laps to go, she responded to a surge by Margaret Kipkemboi and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, eventually overtaking Kipkemboi in the final 200 meters to cross the line first in 30:43.25.
This victory made Chebet the first Kenyan woman to win Olympic gold in the 10,000m and the first to achieve the 5000m and 10,000m double at the Games.
For her wins in the Paris Olympics, the 24-year-old will receive Ksh 6 million from the Kenyan government and Ksh 13 million from World Athletics.
For this year’s Olympics, World Athletics diverged from the non-monetary reward policy established by the International Olympic Committee by implementing cash prizes for gold medal winners.
Chebet’s historic performance in Paris not only cemented her place in Kenyan athletics history but also solidified her status as one of the greatest distance runners of her generation.
Her double gold medals are a testament to her exceptional talent, dedication, and the support of her nation.