Kenya’s Chebet smashes own world record in women’s 5K to cap stellar year
Beatrice Chebet Sets New Women’s 5-Kilometre World Record in Barcelona
Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet made history once again by smashing the women’s five-kilometre world record with a remarkable time of 13 minutes and 54 seconds at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona on Tuesday. This incredible achievement marked the culmination of a stellar year for the Kenyan athlete.
Chebet surpassed her own previous record, which she had set exactly a year earlier at the same Barcelona race, by an impressive 19 seconds. In doing so, she became the first woman to break the elusive 14-minute barrier in the event, solidifying her status as a dominant force in long-distance running.
During the race, Chebet displayed her exceptional speed and endurance as she raced ahead of the competition, ultimately crossing the finish line in triumphant fashion. After completing her run, she embraced friends and supporters, basking in the glory of yet another remarkable accomplishment. This victory added to her impressive list of achievements, including gold medals in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the Paris Games earlier this year.
Reflecting on her record-breaking performance, Chebet expressed her elation, stating, “I’m super happy as everything went according to plan. I felt capable of running under 14 minutes, and I managed to do so. Two races in Barcelona and two world records, can I ask for more?” Her words encapsulated the joy and satisfaction that accompanied her exceptional feat.
Throughout the year, the 24-year-old athlete enjoyed a series of triumphs, beginning with her breaking of the 10,000m world record in Eugene in May. She continued her winning streak by securing her second Diamond League title in the 5,000m event in September, further solidifying her reputation as a world-class runner.
Looking ahead, Chebet revealed her plans to focus on the upcoming world championships in Tokyo in 2025, where she aims to compete in both the 5,000 and 10,000-metre races. After claiming silver in 2022 and bronze in 2023 in the shorter distance, she is determined to make her mark on the global stage once again and continue her legacy of excellence in the sport.
