Chebet focused on crazy dream of historic double in Tokyo as she prepares to chase both 5 000 m and 10 000 m world titles at the World Championships. The 25-year-old Kenyan star already boasts two Olympic gold medals, a Commonwealth Games crown and two World Cross Country titles but admits she still feels incomplete without a world championship victory.
Despite winning silver in the 5 000 m at Eugene in 2022 and bronze in Budapest in 2023, Chebet has yet to step onto the top podium at the world championships. In Tokyo she will attempt to become only the third woman ever to claim both the 5 000 m and 10 000 m titles at the same Games, joining Tirunesh Dibaba and Vivian Cheruiyot.
A World Champion on Her Mind
“Chebet focused on crazy dream of historic double in Tokyo and I will stop at nothing to make it real,” she told BBC Sport Africa. She described the mixed emotions of previous outings where she came close but missed gold. “I came here to take home a gold medal and I was prepared to give everything in that last lap. Being a world champion is all I have wanted.”
In Oregon last July Chebet electrified the track when she became the first woman to break 14 minutes for 5 000 m. Her time of 13 58.06 shattered the previous record and confirmed her status among distance running’s elite. Earlier, at the Prefontaine Classic in May 2024, she ran 28 54.14 to become the first woman under 29 minutes for 10 000 m.
Road to Tokyo
Chebet qualified for Tokyo by winning the 10 000 m title at the Kenyan trials in June, outsprinting a strong field in scorching heat. She immediately thought of Cheruiyot, whose footsteps she hopes to follow. “I met her for the first time at trials. Vivian is a legend. She set the standard and I want to join that double club,” Chebet said.
At the World Championships she will begin with heats for the 5 000 m on Thursday and then focus on the 10 000 m final before returning to the shorter distance. The scheduling is tight but Chebet thrives on challenge. “Balancing both races will be hard. Recovery and tactics must be perfect but I trust my preparation and my coaching team.”
Rivalry and Respect
Chebet’s main rivals include defending 5 000 m champion Faith Kipyegon of Kenya and Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay. Kipyegon, who won 1500 m and 5 000 m gold in Paris, aims to repeat that double. Their Olympic rematch saw Chebet win by just over a second. “Faith and I push each other. We are friends off the track but when the gun goes we race hard and then celebrate together,” she said.
Tsegay brings her own pedigree as former world record holder and reigning silver medallist. Chebet exceeded her expectations in the 10 000 m final in Eugene when she outsprinted a trio including Tsegay with 200 m to go. Her winning time of 30 37.61 showed her tactical strength and finishing speed.
Inspiration and Impact
As the first woman to hold both 5 000 m and 10 000 m world records simultaneously, Chebet carries the weight of expectation back home. She wants to inspire young girls in Kenya and across Africa. “I have dreamt of big things since I was a junior. I used to run 5 000 m in over 16 minutes and kept believing. Now I tell girls that crazy dreams can come true.”
Her four world records in two years—two on the track, two on the road—demonstrate her versatility. Road times include 14 19 for 5 km and 30 01 for 10 km. Each record gave her confidence ahead of major championships. “Breaking records abroad then coming to the world stage in Tokyo gave me a morale boost,” she explained.
The Historic Double in Sight
Only Dibaba in 2005 and Cheruiyot in 2011 have managed the 5 000 m-10 000 m double at Worlds. Chebet’s ambition places her in rarefied company. She reflected on their achievements with admiration. “When Tirunesh did it she was a pioneer and Vivian followed. I want to add my name to that chapter of history.”
Her preparation in Tokyo includes altitude training in Iten and tailored sessions on the track to sharpen speed and endurance. Nutrition and recovery are key when racing twice at top pace. “I trust my coaches and my team. They know what I need to peak at the right time,” she said.
Eyes on Gold
Chebet’s opening heat will test her pace judgement and reaction to pressure. She plans to stay relaxed and conserve energy until the final laps. In the 10 000 m final she will look to lead from the front or sit behind the leaders, depending on conditions and pacing. “I will adapt my plan based on how the race unfolds but the aim is gold in both events,” she said.
As fans across Africa tune in, Chebet’s run in Tokyo represents more than medals. It is a statement of ambition, resilience and the power of belief. Whatever the outcome, her pursuit of a “crazy dream” will resonate with anyone who dares to chase their own historic goals.
