Faith Kipyegon Reveals Why Beating Beatrice Chebet in 5000m Final Was Nearly Impossible

Faith Kipyegon has reflected on her experience in the women’s 5000m final against Beatrice Chebet at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The four-time world 1500m champion finished second behind world 10,000m champion Beatrice Chebet, who won the race in 14:54.36.

The three-time Olympic 1500m champion clocked 14:55.07 to finish the race in second place, with Italy’s Nadia Battocletti rounding up the podium in 14:55.42.

Faith Kipyegon was fresh from finishing second in the 5000m heats behind Gudaf Tsegay. In the 1500m, Faith Kipyegon easily defended her title, clocking 3:52.15 to cross the finish line.

Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after arriving in Kenya from the World Athletics Championships, Faith Kipyegon hailed Beatrice Chebet as one of the hardest-working women.

Faith Kipyegon revealed that in the 5000m, she knew that beating the world record holder would be tough, owing to her dedication.

The 1500m world record holder added that she was surprised to have finished second in the race, noting that she was not expecting that performance.

Faith Kipyegon further explained that her main goal before going to the World Athletics Championships was to make history in the 1500m, which she is glad she did.

“Beatrice Chebet is my good friend, she is my little sister, an amazing girl, a hard worker and a go-getter. I knew beating her in the 5000m, having that world record of 13:58, I feel so proud of her,” Faith Kipyegon revealed.

“I knew going there and joining her in the 5000m, I was not expecting to be where I am, but I thank God that I came back home with a medal in the 5000m. My main goal was to make history in the 1500m, and when I move to the 5000m, I will make more history.”

Faith Kipyegon further expounded on the special relationship she shares with Beatrice Chebet, noting that having her in the sport makes a huge difference.

She added that together and all other Kenyan women, including Lilian Odira, Peres Jepchirchir and Faith Cherotich, they were able to win medals from the 800m to the 10,000m and ensured Kenya topped the medal standings in Africa and finished second in the world.

“She is special, I really love her, we have been friends, and to have two strong women or more women in sports is a nice thing to push ourselves going forward,” Faith Kipyegon added.

“We are proud of our country…We were able to raise the Kenyan flag, and that’s what matters. I still have one more race in New York, Athlos, the women-only race, and then I will end the season.”

Faith Kipyegon will line up for the women’s 1500m at Athlos, Alexis Ohanian’s women-only event scheduled for October 10.