Ruto congratulates Beatrice Chebet on historic 10,000m gold in Tokyo
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 13, 2025President William Ruto has congratulated Beatrice Chebet after she won Kenya’s first gold medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Chebet, 25, claimed victory in the women’s 10,000m final on Saturday, September 13, 2025, clocking 30:37.61. Her late surge down the home straight secured the world crown to add to her Olympic title and world record. She finished ahead of Italy’s Nadia Battocletti, who set a national record of 30:38.23 for silver, and Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, who took bronze in 30:39.65.
In a message shared on his official X account, President Ruto praised Chebet’s performance and described her as a source of pride for the country.
“Congratulations Beatrice Chebet for winning Kenya’s first gold medal at the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships in the women’s 10,000 metres. You have not only made us proud but also set the pace for Team Kenya in the tournament. Let’s keep the winning spirit alive, Team Kenya!” he wrote.
Chebet ends Kenya’s drought
Chebet’s victory ended Kenya’s ten-year wait for gold in the women’s 10,000m at the World Championships. Vivian Cheruiyot was the last Kenyan to win the title in 2015 in Beijing. Since then, Ethiopia had dominated the event, with Tsegay winning in Budapest two years ago.
Chebet ran a disciplined race, staying close to the front pack throughout. She kept her composure when the pace quickened in the final laps, before making her decisive move off the final bend. Her rivals had no answer to her finishing speed.
Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich also finished strongly in the final, taking fourth place in 30:42.66. Her effort showed the depth of Kenya’s long-distance squad and underlined the country’s continued presence in the event.
The win added another major title to Chebet’s growing list of honours. She already holds the Olympic gold from Paris 2024 and the world record of 28:54.14 set last year. By adding the world title in Tokyo, she has now completed the full set.
Chebet’s success set a positive tone for Team Kenya at the championships, with medal hopes also resting on Faith Kipyegon in the 1500m and Ferdinand Omanyala in the men’s 100m.