Historic day for Kenyan athletics as Chebet, Kipyegon smash World Records at Prefontaine Classic

Kenya’s dominance on the track reached new heights on Saturday as Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon shattered world records in the 5,000 metres and 1,500 metres respectively at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.

In a breathtaking performance, Beatrice Chebet became the first woman in history to run the 5,000m in under 14 minutes, crossing the finish line in a jaw-dropping 13:58.06. The 24-year-old erased the previous world record of 14:00.21, set by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay at the same event in 2023.

Chebet’s historic run marks a new chapter in long-distance running and cements her place among the sport’s elite.

But the records didn’t stop there.

In another electrifying race, Faith Kipyegon, Kenya’s triple Olympic gold medallist, delivered yet another stunning performance in the 1,500m, breaking her own world record with a time of 3:48.68. The previous mark of 3:49.04, also set by Kipyegon in July 2023, had stood as one of the toughest in women’s middle-distance history.

Kipyegon’s latest achievement adds to her extraordinary legacy and sets the tone as she heads into the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as the overwhelming favorite.