Beatrice Chebet Sails to 5000m Gold as Faith Kipyegon Settles For Silver at World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo

Kenya once again stamped its authority on women’s distance running as Beatrice Chebet produced a devastating final kick to claim gold in the women’s 5000 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Chebet, the reigning Olympic champion, crossed the line in 14:54.36, holding off her compatriot Faith Kipyegon, who clocked 14:55.07 to secure silver. Italy’s Nadia Battocletti delivered a surprise performance, storming to bronze in 14:55.42, edging out America’s Shelby Houlihan..

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The race carried echoes of the Paris 2024 Olympic final, where Chebet also surged past Kipyegon in the last lap to take the crown. 

Once again, Tokyo witnessed Chebet’s trademark acceleration — a lethal weapon over the final 200 meters — proving too much even for Kipyegon, who had looked comfortable controlling the pace for much of the race.

Chebet’s triumph further cements her reputation as the heir to Kenya’s rich long-distance legacy, with her tactical patience and finishing speed now a hallmark on the global stage.

The much-anticipated showdown between Chebet and Kipyegon lived up to its billing. Kipyegon, the double Olympic champion over 1500m, dictated proceedings early, keeping the pack honest through a series of controlled laps. 

But Chebet, biding her time, tracked her every move before unleashing her decisive burst down the home straight.

Battocletti’s bronze was another highlight, as the Italian star continues her rapid rise in European distance running. She held off Houlihan and Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, who finished fifth, to secure Italy’s first-ever medal in the women’s 5000m at a global championship.

Kenya’s double podium underscores the nation’s depth in women’s middle- and long-distance running. Chebet’s victory is her second consecutive global 5000m title, while Kipyegon’s silver adds to her already glittering resume.

For Ethiopia, traditionally Kenya’s fiercest rival in the event, it was a rare off day. Tsegay could only manage fifth in 14:57.82, while compatriots Fantaye Belayneh (9th) and Medina Eisa (13th) faded in the final laps. Another Kenyan, Agnes Ngetich, would have to settle for 15th, which is dissapointing considering she holds the third fastest time ever set in the event.

1. Beatrice Chebet (KEN) – 14:54.36
   
   

2. Faith Kipyegon (KEN) – 14:55.07
   
   

3. Nadia Battocletti (ITA) – 14:55.42
   
   

4. Shelby Houlihan (USA) – 14:57.42
   
   

5. Gudaf Tsegay (ETH) – 14:57.82