Kenya has etched its name in athletics history, becoming the first country ever to win every women’s distance event from 800 meters to the marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The East African powerhouse secured seven gold medals—six of them from its female runners—propelling the nation to second place on the medal table behind the United States.
The golden sweep underscored Kenya’s unmatched dominance in long-distance running and showcased the resilience of its female athletes, many of whom returned to the sport after motherhood.
A Golden Generation of Women
The crowning moment came when Lilian Odira stunned the athletics world by winning the 800m final in record-breaking fashion. Odira, a 26-year-old mother of two, lowered her personal best by nearly two seconds and shattered a 42-year-old championship record.
Her triumph followed victories from Faith Kipyegon, who extended her reign with a record fourth 1500m title, and Peres Jepchirchir, who stormed to marathon gold. Together, they highlighted a cultural shift in Kenyan athletics—where women are no longer forced to choose between family life and elite sport.
“That just shows that even when you are a mother you can still rule the world,” said former 800m world champion Janeth Jepkosgei on BBC World Service. “It’s a way of showing the African girl that you can challenge, even when you have a baby.”
Chebet’s Historic Double
The championships also produced a defining moment for Beatrice Chebet, who became only the third woman in history to complete the 5,000m-10,000m double at a World Championships. Already the Olympic champion and world record holder in both events, Chebet solidified her place among the all-time greats.
Her 5,000m win came at the expense of Kipyegon, who finished just behind her to claim silver. Despite the rivalry, the Kenyan teammates embraced on the track, embodying both the competitive spirit and unity driving the nation’s success.
Redefining Greatness
The performances in Tokyo reflect more than athletic excellence—they symbolize a shift in cultural attitudes about motherhood, resilience, and female empowerment in sport.
Two-time Olympic champion David Rudisha called Kipyegon “the darling of Kenyan athletics,” praising her resilience and consistency:
“She achieved a lot going back, having a child, and then bouncing back. It is excellence. To see her coming back stronger every year is truly an inspiration.”
