Beatrice Chebet fell just shy of a historic world record but led a Kenyan charge at the Rabat Diamond League. The double Olympic champion clocked 8:11.56 to win the women’s 3000m, missing China’s Wang Junxia’s 8:06.11 world record by six seconds.

Italy’s Nadia Batoccletti (8:26.27) and Ireland’s Sarah Healy (8:27.02) trailed in second and third. Chebet, who holds world records in the 10,000m (28:54.14) and 5km (13:54), was elated with her personal best.

“I wasn’t chasing a world record, just a PB, and I did it,” the 25-year-old said. “I love the 3000m, and my focus is on the World Championships in Tokyo.”

Chepchirchir stays unbeaten, Omanyala and Wanyonyi battle stiff competition

Kenya’s domination shone through elsewhere. Nelly Chepchirchir continued her meteoric rise, winning the women’s 1500m in a season’s best 3:58.04, beating Ethiopia’s Worknesh Mesele (3:58.44) and Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi (3:59.25).

Chepchirchir is unbeaten this year after triumphs in Germany and Doha. “I came prepared and ran my best. I’m excited to keep winning,” she said.

Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, took second in the men’s 100m with 10.05, behind South Africa’s Akani Simbine (9.95).

“It was a good race, but I need to improve,” said Omanyala, eyeing the Kip Keino Classic on May 31. Fred Kerley of the USA placed third (10.07).

In the men’s 800m, Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi settled for third (1:43.37), with Botswana’s Tshepiso Maselela leading at 1:42.69.

The men’s 1500m saw a shock as American Jonah Koech, formerly eligible for Kenya, won in 3:31.43, edging out Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot (3:31.78) and Festus Lagat (3:32.06).

Edmund Serem capped Kenya’s night with a third-place finish in the 3000m steeplechase (8:07.47). Kenya’s athletes now turn their focus to the Kip Keino Classic set for Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi on May 31, where they aim to build on their Rabat success.