President William Ruto has celebrated the historic performances of Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet, who both registered world records at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on July 5, 2025.

In a statement posted on X on July 6, 2025, Ruto hailed the duo for continuing Kenya’s dominance in global distance running, calling their triumphs “breathtaking and inspirational.

“We salute Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet for setting new world records in the women’s 1500m and 5000m events at the Prefontaine Classic. Congratulations, Ms. Kipyegon, for breaking your own record with a breathtaking and inspirational run. Hats off to Ms. Chebet for becoming the first woman in history to run under 14 minutes on the track!,

‘Well done to Agnes Jebet for securing a strong second-place finish in the 5000m. Your remarkable achievements have once again lifted Kenya’s flag high and filled the nation with pride. This well-deserved victory reaffirms Kenya’s enduring dominance on the global athletics stage,” Ruto posed.

Kipyegon clocked an astonishing 3:46.8 in the women’s 1500m, breaking her own world record of 3:49.04 set in 2024. Chebet followed with a stunning 13:58.06 in the 5000 m, becoming the first woman to run under 14 minutes and surpassing Letesenbet Gidey’s 2020 record of 14:06.62.

The double record reinforced Kenya’s global status in middle- and long-distance track events. Kipyegon, already a three-time Olympic 1500 m champion, became the first woman to break the 3:49 barrier. Her latest feat adds to a decorated career that includes a mile world record of 4:07.64 set in 2023.

Chebet, who clinched gold in the 5000m and 10,000m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, delivered a powerful performance, closing with a blistering 61-second final lap. She beat compatriot Agnes Jebet Ngetich, who settled for second.

A number of leaders have also congratulated the duo for their shattering world records.

“Congratulations, Beatrice Chebet! What a phenomenal achievement, running 13:58.06 to shatter the world record in the 5,000 meters at the Nike Prefontaine Classic! With an incredible sprint finish, you’ve become the first woman in history to break the 14-minute barrier, a feat once thought impossible. Kenya stands proud of your unrelenting spirit, discipline, and unwavering belief that continue to inspire the world. Hongera sana, Champion!” Salim Mvurya, CS of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports, posted on his X.

“Beatrice Chebet stormed to a world record victory in the women’s 5000m at the Prefontaine Classic, clocking an unbelievable 13:58.06, becoming the first woman in history to dip under 14 minutes! Faith Kipyegon delivered another golden moment, winning the women’s 1500m in 3:48.68 to break her world record by 0.36 seconds! A hearty congratulations to our two daughters of the soil for redefining what’s possible,” Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay County Governor, also shared on her X.

Their success is rooted in a strong Kenyan tradition of distance running, largely shaped by the high-altitude training environment of the Rift Valley. Studies have attributed Kenya’s dominance to a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

Ruto emphasised the sense of national pride brought by the athletes’ achievements, noting that Kenya’s sporting spirit continues to inspire globally. The Prefontaine Classic, a prestigious Diamond League meet, offered the perfect stage for this landmark moment.

Their wins come less than a year after the Paris Games, marking a golden era for Kenyan athletics. As the country celebrates, their records are likely to inspire a new wave of talent and reinforce Kenya’s legacy as a powerhouse in track and field.