Kenya made history at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo by becoming the first country to win all distance events—from the 800m to the marathon.
The nine-day competition, held at Japan National Stadium from September 13 to 21, saw Team Kenya finish second overall behind the United States, collecting 11 medals: 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze.
The victories spanned both track and road events, with standout performances from Kenya’s elite runners:
- 800m (Women) – Lilian Odira (1:54.62, Championship Record)
- 800m (Men) – Emmanuel Wanyonyi (1:41.86, Championship Record)
- 1500m – Faith Kipyegon
- 3000m Steeplechase – Faith Cherotich (8:51.59, Championship Record)
- 5000m & 10,000m – Beatrice Chebet
- Marathon – Peres Jepchirchir (2:24:43)
Beatrice Chebet Makes History with Double Gold and World Records
Beatrice Chebet emerged as one of the most decorated athletes of the championships. She won gold in both the 10,000m and 5000m, becoming the first woman in history to hold Olympic and World titles in both events.
Chebet also holds world records in both distances, joining legends Usain Bolt and Kenenisa Bekele as the only athletes to achieve such a feat.
Her 10,000m win in 30:37.61 delivered Kenya’s first gold in Tokyo, followed by a commanding performance in the 5000m final.
Faith Kipyegon and Agnes Jebet Power Into 5000m Final
Faith Kipyegon, the three-time Olympic 1500m champion and world record holder in the mile and 1500m, qualified for the 5000m final with ease, clocking 14:56.71.
Agnes Jebet joined her with a time of 14:57.90, ensuring a strong Kenyan presence in the final alongside Chebet.
Mary Moraa and Lilian Odira Advance in 800m Heats
Kenya’s middle-distance strength was on full display in the women’s 800m heats. Defending champion Mary Moraa finished second in her heat with a time of 1:58.44, demonstrating resilience after a challenging season. Lilian Odira, meanwhile, recorded the fastest qualifying time of the day at 1:57.86, building on her personal best of 1:56.52 set earlier in the season.
Sarah Moraa and Vivian Kiprotich were eliminated, highlighting the competitiveness of the event.
Championship Records and Breakthroughs on the Track
Faith Cherotich claimed gold in the 3000m steeplechase with a championship record of 8:51.59, reaffirming Kenya’s dominance in the event. Emmanuel Wanyonyi delivered a breakthrough performance in the men’s 800m, winning gold in 1:41.86—another championship record.
On the final day, Lilian Odira sealed Kenya’s seventh gold with a dramatic win in the women’s 800m, lifting the country’s medal haul to 11 and confirming its runner-up finish on the global standings.
National Pride and Global Recognition
Kenya’s performance drew praise from across the country. President William Ruto led celebrations, commending the athletes for showcasing Kenya’s resilience and excellence on the world stage. Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris added:
“Congratulations to our phenomenal athletes for an outstanding performance, securing 11 medals in total: 7 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze. Finishing 2nd overall, you’ve made the nation proud and etched your names in history. Kenya shines because of you!”
Kenya’s Global Athletics Legacy
Kenya ranks second globally in total World Athletics Championships medals, with 171 medals (65 gold, 58 silver, and 48 bronze) as of 2023.
The majority of these have come from middle- and long-distance events, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in global athletics.
The Tokyo 2025 Championships have not only extended this legacy but also spotlighted a new generation of Kenyan talent ready to carry the torch forward.
