Beatrice Chebet just shut down the Paris Olympics in style, bagging double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m races—a historic first for a Kenyan woman in the 10,000m event. Dubbed “The Smiling Assassin” for her killer speed and radiant grin, she’s become a global track sensation. But while her medals are dazzling, fans are itching to know: What’s the story behind the smile? From her ethnic roots to her unshakable faith, here’s the lowdown on what makes Beatrice Chebet sprint like lightning and live with purpose.

What is Beatrice Chebet’s Ethnicity?

Chebet’s DNA is pure Rift Valley royalty. Hailing from Kenya’s Kericho County, she’s a proud Kalenjin, the ethnic powerhouse behind 80% of the country’s Olympic distance-running medals. The Kalenjin, especially her Nandi subgroup (her family is from the high-altitude town of Kapcheplanget in the Nandi County), are legends in the running world. Think Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, and David Rudisha—all Kalenjin icons. Their secret sauce? High-altitude living (think 7,000+ feet above sea level), lean muscle genetics, and a culture that treats running like a rite of passage.

Growing up in Londiani, a dusty town in Kericho, Chebet’s childhood was straight out of Kapcheplanget’s playbook. Her parents, Francis Kirui and Lilian Chepkoech, were farmers who spotted her talent early. “She’d outrun boys fetching water from the river,” her dad once joked. But it wasn’t just raw speed—her community’s ethos shaped her. Kalenjin culture emphasizes collective success: “When one person wins, the whole village wins.” That’s why Chebet often says, “My medals belong to my people.”

At 14, she joined a local training camp, swapping schoolyard races for grueling track sessions. Coaches quickly noticed her grit and her smile. “Even when she’s dying in workouts, she’s grinning,” said her longtime coach, Robert Ngisirei. By 18, she was smashing junior records, and by 23, she’d cemented her place as Kenya’s next big thing.

What is Beatrice Chebet’s Religion?

Beatrice Chebet is a devout Christian, she’s never shy about crediting God for her wins. After clinching Olympic gold in the 5,000m, she told reporters, “This wasn’t me. It was God’s plan.” Her Instagram? Packed with Bible verses and shout-outs to the Big Guy upstairs.

Raised in a household where prayer was as routine as breakfast, Chebet’s parents drilled humility into her. Her dad, a church elder, once said, “We taught her to kneel before God before she stands before crowds.” That faith got her through dark times, like when injuries nearly derailed her career in 2022. “I prayed harder than I trained,” she admitted.

But her belief isn’t just talk. She’s poured her prize money into building a church in Londiani, where her family worships. “I want my village to have a place to thank God,” she said. She also funds scholarships for kids in Kericho, insisting, “Education and faith go hand in hand.” For Chebet, running isn’t just about pace—it’s about purpose.

Chebet’s 2024 Olympic triumph was just the warm-up. She’s already eyeing the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, where she plans to defend her 5,000m and 10,000m titles. But her ultimate goal? Smashing the 13:50 barrier in the 5 km—a feat no woman has ever achieved. “I came close to Paris [13:54]. Next time, I’ll break it,” she vowed.

Off the track, she’s juggling her role as a Kenyan police officer. Yep, she’s a full-time cop with the National Police Service, balancing patrols with podium finishes. “It keeps me grounded,” she says. “Serving my country isn’t just about medals”. And let’s not forget her mission to inspire.

Beatrice Chebet is launching a foundation in 2025 to support young Kalenjin athletes, especially girls. “I want every village kid to know they can run—and dream—like me,” she said.

She isn’t just a runner; she’s a force of nature. Her Kalenjin roots gave her the legs, her Christian faith gave her the heart, and her relentless hustle? That’s all HER. Whether she’s sprinting past rivals or building churches, she’s proof that greatness isn’t born—it’s built, one step (and prayer) at a time.