“I can run very good, I can do more, I can do wonders,” These were the words of Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet just before her breathtaking 10,000m performance at the World Championships, where she claimed gold in 30:37.61. For Beatrice, running isn’t just about winning medals; it’s about pushing herself beyond every limit. And if that wasn’t enough, she has now cemented her dominance by taking gold in the 5,000m as well, narrowly defeating compatriot and former champion Faith Kipyegon in a thrilling finish by just 0.71 seconds, proving to the world why her name should strike both awe and fear.

It was more than a tactical duel; Chebet, determined to make history, lived up to her promise. On the final lap, she edged out her teammate and close friend, Faith Kipyegon, already the 1500m champion, clocking 14:54.36 to stun both her rival and the track-and-field world. In that defining moment, Chebet secured the rare double, claiming gold in both the 5000m and 10,000m, with Faith Kipyegon finishing a close second in 14:55.00. Well, Kipyegon might be disappointed, but at least she’s happy that it was her compatriot and friend who defeated her, and not anyone else.

During a media interaction, the new double champion was asked about her plans, to which she replied that she aspires to follow in the footsteps of her compatriot, Faith. “I can say she’s such an amazing lady, like winning the four-time world championship. I was so impressed with her performance. Being consistent is the key., So, after winning the 1500, you see many people… I didn’t even realize the camera was on my side, but I was so emotional after she was winning. Many people in the sport started running some years back and have already left the track, but her she’s still there. She’s still there to win, and even running today with her, it was so, so amazing.”

Chebet further recalled their last showdown in the 2024 Paris Olympics 5,000m final, where she narrowly edged out her rival to claim gold, and reflected on today’s rematch. She praised her competitor as the one who constantly drives her forward, fuels her motivation, and whose relentless determination she deeply admires. The double champion added that even before stepping onto the track, nerves were high: “You know, before any race, we were like, ‘We are going to the track, and we are going to do our best.’ We were like, ‘May the best athlete win.’ Everyone is coming here to the track; we put all our effort there, and we see how the results come. We really appreciate that.”

Their friendship knows no bounds. When Beatrice Chebet won the 10,000m last week, she was genuinely just as overjoyed when Faith claimed the 1500m title, tears streaming down her face when the cameras caught her. Truly, everyone needs a friend like her. After this 5000m gold at the World Championships, the athlete now holds all major titles in 5000 & 10000 m as well as both world records. Quite a resume she has built up for herself at just 25. But it wasn’t always this rosy and peachy; there were times when she faced the wall as well.

“I can also become a decorated athlete,” confessed Beatrice Chebet

Amidst the lush, enchanting tea estates of Kericho, Kenya, a young Beatrice Chebet dreamed of more than just rolling down the hills with her friends; she dreamed of a life on the track, chasing glory and making sure the world would know her name. “I used to like running cross country and would also specialize in 5000m,” she revealed in a conversation with Olympics.com about the time when she had the epiphany that she could make a living out of running.

She recalled how it all began: “I joined the Lemotit Athletics Training Camp because I knew I wanted to pursue my running career. I felt, ‘I have the talent.’” At the time, she was living with her grandmother. “She is the one who took me to the training camp,” she explained. “She supported me in everything I needed there…and prayed for my success.” Family inspiration also played a big role. “Having a sister who ran before me was a motivation,” she said. “I got encouraged and told myself, I can do it. I can also become a decorated athlete.”

Two years later, at just 18, Beatrice Chebet claimed her first 5000m gold at the 2018 World U20 Championships in Tampere, outlasting Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye by a mere 0.10 seconds, a razor-edge victory she’ll never forget. “That race in Tampere was one of my best, as I was also so happy to represent my country. It was an amazing race.” She went from being a girl who once only dreamed of becoming the best, to the one who now holds all the records in distance running. Has this story served you your daily dose of motivation? If so, tell us in a comment.