Wanza ready to carry Kenya’s distance baton in Chebet’s absence

Diana Wanza wins the women's 5,000m at the Kip Keino Classic/ HANDOUT

Wanza ready to fill Chebet void as Kenyan star targets continental gold Rising distance runner Diana Wanza says she is prepared to carry Kenya’s women’s long-distance hopes during the absence of world record holder Beatrice Chebet.

Chebet is currently on maternity leave and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season, with a possible return in late 2027 or 2028.

The 26-year-old leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in both the 5,000m and 10,000m. In the 5,000m, she owns the world record of 13:58.06, set at last year’s Prefontaine Classic, where she became the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier. She also claimed Olympic gold in Paris 2024 and world title glory in Tokyo last year.

Chebet has been equally dominant over 10,000m, smashing the world record with 28:54.14 at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic to become the first woman under 29 minutes.

She went on to complete the Olympic and world title double. With Chebet away from competition, Wanza believes the next generation must step up and maintain Kenya’s grip on the distance events. “We have to replace her for the short time that she will not be on the track,” said Wanza. “When she comes back, we push each other and get good results.”

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant start to the 2026 season and arrives in top form. She opened her campaign by winning the Azpeitia Half Marathon in Spain on March 21 in 1:07:31 before sealing qualification for next month’s African Championships in Accra, Ghana.

At the Athletics Kenya trials on April 10, Wanza clocked 32:12.1 to finish ahead of Mercy Chepng’eno (32:27.2) and Phena Yego (32:47.4). She then produced another statement performance at last weekend’s Kip Keino Classic, storming to victory in the 5,000m with a personal best of 15:28.91.

The mark improved her previous best of 15:52.04 and underlined her growing credentials on the track. Wanza said the home crowd played a huge role in her breakthrough run. “I feel good and happy about my performance. It was a good race, and the crowd really pushed me.”

With her maiden Team Kenya call-up already secured, the athlete says her immediate mission is clear. “I am going to Ghana, and I have to bring home that gold.”

“I just hope for good health, and I’ll also work for a personal best. It won’t be easy, but I am hoping for the best.” Beyond the African Championships, Wanza has also set her sights on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. “I also have to make the team for the Commonwealth Games. I am hoping for a medal too.”