Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet, two of Kenya’s brightest athletics stars, are gearing up for an electrifying showdown in the women’s 5,000m final at the World Championships. The pair, who share a close friendship off the track, have already secured world titles in Tokyo this week Kipyegon in the 1,500m and Chebet in the 10,000m and now both are eyeing a historic double.
The much-anticipated final, set for Saturday, marks their first head-to-head meeting since the Paris 2024 Olympics. In that memorable race, Chebet powered to gold while Kipyegon settled for silver, setting the stage for another thrilling encounter.
Kipyegon, a double Olympic champion and world record holder in the 1,500m, expressed confidence after safely navigating the heats. “It was my first 5,000m race of the season, and I’m really happy. I’ve recovered well from the 1,500m win and I’m ready for great things,” she said. At 31, Kipyegon’s ability to seamlessly transition between middle and long-distance events continues to inspire admiration.
Chebet, meanwhile, arrives with formidable credentials. Earlier this season, she became the first woman to dip under the 14-minute barrier, clocking 13:58.06 in Eugene. Having already collected Olympic titles and a full set of global medals, she will be determined to cement her dominance over the distance. Her respect for Kipyegon, whom she regards as an idol, adds a layer of intrigue to their friendly rivalry.
The Kenyan duo will not be alone in their quest. Agnes Ngetich, ranked as the third fastest of all time, adds further firepower to Kenya’s lineup. Ethiopia will look to Gudaf Tsegay, the 2022 world 5,000m champion and 2023 10,000m gold medallist, who is eager to bounce back after leaving Paris without a medal. Tsegay, who won bronze in the 10,000m earlier this week, hinted that the final could be either tactical or blisteringly fast.
With Kipyegon’s tactical brilliance, Chebet’s raw speed, Ngetich’s rising star power, and Tsegay’s hunger for redemption, the women’s 5,000m final promises to be one of the standout races of the championships. Athletics fans worldwide are bracing for a clash of titans—one that will test friendship, rivalry, and history all in a single race.
