Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet has reignited hopes of breaking the 5000m world record after a sensational victory at the Diamond League Meeting in Rome. Chebet delivered a blistering performance, clocking a national record and world-leading time of 14:03.69 to claim the top spot. She finished well ahead of Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu, who came in second with a time of 14:19.33.
The race saw Italy’s Nadia Battocletti set a national record on home soil, finishing with a time of 14:23. Meanwhile, reigning world record holder Gudaf Tsegay, widely regarded as a favourite to impress, surprisingly finished fifth with a time of 14:24.86, trailing Chebet by a significant margin.
Chebet’s performance in Rome was not just a race win; it was a statement of intent. By clocking the second-fastest time ever recorded over 5000m, she has firmly put herself in contention to challenge the long-standing world record of 14:00.21, set by Tsegay at the 2023 Prefontaine Classic. After years of seemingly unbreakable times in the 5000m, Chebet’s recent exploits signal that the record may soon fall.
In a post-race interview, Chebet expressed her confidence and determination to break the world record. She revealed that with proper pacing, particularly having a pacer to lead her up to the 3000m mark, she believes achieving a sub-14-minute time is within reach. “I was planning to run 14:15, but I felt like my body was moving, and I decided to go. I see that my body is in good shape and I am capable of the world record,” she said. Chebet is now focused on preparing for a record-breaking attempt, emphasizing that everything is possible with the right conditions and support.
The runner also praised her competitors for pushing her to new heights, noting that the intense competition has helped everyone involved achieve personal and national records. She expressed pride in contributing to the achievements of her rivals, highlighting the mutual benefits of racing against such high-caliber athletes.
Chebet’s season started strongly with a cross-country race in Spain, followed by the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country. She then made a powerful track debut, winning the 5000m at the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen and the 3000m at the Rabat Diamond League event. Her latest victory in Rome underscores her consistent form and cements her status as a leading contender in distance running this season.
With her recent performances and growing confidence, Beatrice Chebet is emerging as the athlete to watch, with ambitions not only to win but to etch her name in history by breaking the elusive 5000m world record. The athletics world eagerly awaits her next attempt to shatter the barriers that have long stood in the way of this remarkable Kenyan athlete.
