The National Police Service (NPS) has celebrated iconic athletics star Beatrice Chebet during the 2025 International Women’s Day.

In a statement on Saturday, March 8, 2025, the police service noted that despite the many feathers in her cap, Chebet remained grounded and humble.

“Nicknamed ‘the smiling assassin’, Chebet is the embodiment of grit, resilience, and passion. Her fierce determination is matched by her grace and does not detract from her good nature and kind spirit. She attributes her success to discipline and aspires to mentor and empower other athletes, making their journeys easier,” NPS remarked.

“The National Police Service (NPS) holds Corporal Beatrice Chebet in high esteem for her selflessness and singular sense of purpose in exemplifying and championing the realisation of excellence in athletics. The NPS wishes her continued success as she steadily progresses to the apex of her policing career.”

Begins athletics career

Chebet who began her decorated athletics career at the age of 16 in 2016 is a two-time world-record holder, two-time Olympic champion, two-time Diamond League final winner and a world championships silver medalist.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, her success is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the power of consistency, resilience, and determination. It is a motivation that not only opens up a world of limitless possibilities but also serves as a guiding light to others who aspire to reach even greater levels of success,” NPS observed.

The 25-year-old police corporal shot to international limelight just two years after beginning his athletics career by winning her first gold medal in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in the 5000-metre race in Finland.

She was quickly identified by the police who enlisted her at the Kiganjo Police Training College where she passed out in 2023 to become a member of the service.

High-flying career

The same year, Chebet went ahead to win gold at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia and then went on to secure bronze in May after taking third place in the Women’s 5000m Final at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

The smiling assassin finished the year on a high note by setting a new women’s world 5km record with a time of 14:13 at the Cursa dels Nassos in Barcelona, Spain.

In her Olympic debut of 2024, in Paris, France, Chebet clinched double gold in the 5000m and 10,000m races, becoming the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic 10,000m title. Her victory in the action-packed 5000m race was no mean feat, as she beat her compatriot, household name, and fellow world champion Faith Kipyegon, who took home the silver medal.

Upon her triumphant return from Paris, the flying athletics sensation was promoted to the rank of police corporal by Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli.

The same year, Chebet, who is trained by her coach husband Peter Bii, broke her own 5km record to become the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier for the distance on the track. She also won the women’s 5000m heat for the second time during the Diamond League finals in Zurich, Switzerland.