Kenya has made a dazzling start at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, securing two gold medals in rapid succession over the weekend.
The nation's athletes have demonstrated exceptional prowess, raising hopes for a successful campaign at the biennial event.
The championships are taking place in Tokyo, Japan, with events reported on Saturday, September 13, 2025, and Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Chebet Claims 10,000m Glory
On Saturday, Beatrice Chebet delivered Kenya's first gold medal, becoming the new world 10,000m champion.
The Olympic 10,000m and 5,000m champion produced a masterful performance, dropping Ethiopia’s defending champion Gudaf Tsegay with just 200 metres remaining.
Chebet crossed the finish line in a winning time of 30 minutes and 37.61 seconds.
ALSO READ: Sad reason Winfred Yavi, Kenyan-born Paris gold medal winner is running for Bahrain
Her victory marks a significant moment, as she becomes the fourth Kenyan woman to win this world title.
The last Kenyan to achieve this feat was Vivian Cheruiyot in 2015. Italian Nadia Battocletti secured silver in 30:38.23, while Tsegay took bronze in 30:39.65.
Agnes Ng’etich, another Kenyan, finished a commendable fourth in 30:42.66 in what was described as a thrilling and tactical race.
Jepchirchir's Marathon Masterclass
The golden streak continued on Sunday, Day 2 of the championships, as Peres Jepchirchir sprinted to victory in the women’s marathon.
Jepchirchir, who won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021, showcased incredible resilience in steamy conditions. She battled Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa in a fierce sprint finish inside the Japan National Stadium.
Jepchirchir claimed gold with a seasonal best time of 2:24:43, just two seconds ahead of Assefa, who took silver in 2:24:45. Uruguay’s Julia Paternain clinched a surprise bronze, making history for her nation. Despite the challenging conditions, Jepchirchir found a hidden reserve of energy.
"The humidity was so high... it was not my ultimate plan to sprint in the final metres, but... I found some hidden energy there."
This win makes Jepchirchir the fourth Kenyan woman world champion in the marathon.
Other Kenyan athletes, including Timothy Cheruiyot and Raynold Cheruiyot, also progressed to the 1500m semi-finals on Sunday, with more Kenyans scheduled to compete in upcoming events like the men's 10,000m final and the women's 1500m semi-finals.
Kenya's powerful start in Tokyo has set an optimistic tone, with more medals potentially on the horizon as the championships progress.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!