Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by clinching the country’s first-ever gold medal in the women’s 10,000 meters.
Chebet, who is also the reigning Olympic 5,000 meters champion, delivered a remarkable performance on Friday, Aug. 9 at the Stade de France, finishing the race in 30:43.25.
Just four days after her triumph in the 5000 meters final, the 24-year-old Chebet outpaced Italy’s Nadia Battocletti and the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan to secure her second gold of the Games.
Battocletti set a national record with her silver medal time of 30:43.35, while Hassan, who had previously won bronze in the 5000 meters, earned her second bronze in the 10,000 meters with a time of 30:44.12.
Chebet’s victory marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first Kenyan woman to win the Olympic 10,000-meter gold.
She is only the third woman in Olympic history, joining Tirunesh Dibaba and Sifan Hassan, to achieve the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters double.
The race at the Stade de France began under bright skies following a rain delay, with Eritrea’s Rahel Daniel initially taking the lead.
As the race progressed, tactical moves and shifts in leadership were evident, with Ethiopian Tsigie Gebreselama and Japan’s Rino Goshima leading the pack through various stages.
With two laps remaining, Chebet’s strategy of maintaining a tactical position paid off.
As the pace increased, Chebet made her move, overtaking Margaret Kipkemboi and Battocletti in a dramatic final push. Her strong finishing kick secured the gold, with Battocletti finishing a close second and Hassan rounding out the podium.
In her post-race interview, Chebet expressed her joy and dedication: “I’m so happy. To do the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters is not something easy.
But just focus, and know that you can achieve. Just believe in yourself. I believed that I could do it. I just wanted to win the 10,000 meters for my country. My country has never won a gold medal (in the women’s 10,000 meters). So I said I wanted to be the first.”
Chebet’s victory enhances her legacy in long-distance running and also highlights Kenya’s continued dominance in the event.
Her performance at Paris 2024 will be remembered as a historic achievement for both her and her country.
