Beatrice Chebet Reveals Motivation Behind Gold Medal Win and Strategy to Conquer Best Friend Faith Kipyegon in 5,000m

World 10,000m champion Beatrice Chebet has disclosed what fueled her to the 10,000m gold at the World Championships as she looks forward to adding the 5,000m title.

Newly-crowned world 10,000m champion Beatrice Chebet admits the need to win a first World Championship gold played a lot in her mind, pushing her to victory.

Chebet fended off the challenge of Italian Nadia Battocletti and defending champion Gudaf Tsegay to win gold in a time of 30:37.61 at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday.

The 25-year-old therefore completed the set of medals, having won Olympics and World Cross-Country Championships titles, adding the World title to her collection.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

“I was like Beatrice, you have to go for it because I do not have a gold medal in the World Championships. I have cross-country, Olympics and now world champion,” Chebet told the media after the race.

Beatrice Chebet Thrilled to Overcome Strong Field

She, however, concedes that it was not easy to shake off silver medalist Battocletti and Tsegay, who won bronze, as well as fellow Kenyan Agnes Jebet Ngetich, who stayed tight until the final lap where she outpaced them.

“You have to be strong mentally, physically and everything so coming to 5,000m, I am hoping to have good health and energy but it will not be an easy race. It is a strong team but my target is to run well, be on the podium and hopefully win gold again,” he added.

“We have Tsegay, she is the defending champion and Nadia the silver medalist and we have the likes of Agnes and it was really a tough race. What keeps me strong is keep going, I do not have to limit myself.”

Chebet is among athletes doubling in Tokyo and her next race will be the 5,000m where she is seeking to win gold in what is her favourite event.

How Does She Plan to Race Faith Kipyegon in 5,000m?

The race, however, also has defending champion Faith Kipyegon who is her best friend as she has revealed how she plans to approach it.

“We are friends and coming to the track we come and race as a team. Like today [Saturday], we assisted each other,” said Chebet.

“If Faith wins, I will celebrate her, if I win, she will celebrate me. That is how the sport is. You have to celebrate your colleagues because today I win, but tomorrow somebody else will win.

“I don’t have to put myself under any pressure because I came to Tokyo as Beatrice and I just run my race as being here is a win.”

Chebet won her race in 30:37.61 with Battocletti clocking 30:38.23 as Tsegay managed 30:39.65 for bronze.