The Prefontaine Diamond League Classic turned into a historic night for Kenyan athletics, as Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon delivered jaw-dropping performances that culminated in world records in the 5000m and 1500m respectively. Behind these extraordinary feats was a powerful bond between the two champions a friendship rooted in mutual belief, encouragement, and shared dreams.
Beatrice Chebet’s 5000m world record, clocked at a blistering 13:58.06, was not only a triumph of preparation and physical strength but also of mental inspiration. Chebet revealed that a key moment before the meet was a conversation with Faith Kipyegon that changed everything. “Before the meet, Faith told me, ‘You have to go for it,’ and I told her the same,” Chebet shared. The two athletes made a pact to push their limits, promising to watch and support each other.
Chebet had arrived in Eugene already brimming with confidence, thanks to her dominant win at the Rome Diamond League a week earlier. It was in Rome that she realized her form was peaking. “After running in Rome, I realized I had the potential to break a world record,” she noted. With that belief in mind, she meticulously prepared for the Prefontaine Classic, crediting her support system, including Nike, for helping her stay focused.
Once the race began, Chebet wasted no time asserting her authority. After the pacemakers stepped off at the 2000m mark, she made a decisive move to take control of the pace. “I knew I had to give it everything,” she said. “If I wanted the world record, I had to go for it no one else was going to do it for me.” Her final laps were a masterclass in mental toughness and physical endurance. Even as nerves crept in, Chebet reminded herself to trust her training and believe in her strength.
Just moments after her historic finish, it was Kipyegon’s turn to shine. Fueled by Chebet’s performance, the reigning Olympic champion went on to break her own 1500m world record, clocking a stunning 3:49.65 and dipping under the four-minute barrier. It was an emotional high for both athletes. “I was so happy for her,” Chebet said. “We both believed in each other. That bond, that trust it pushed us to do something incredible.”
As the countdown to the Tokyo 2025 World Championships begins, Chebet is already eyeing her next goal: the 10,000m in Nairobi as part of her final preparations. With momentum on their side, Kenya’s distance-running queens are proving that friendship and faith can fuel record-breaking greatness.
