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Chebet has now revealed the tactics she applied in training to beat her compatriot Faith Kipyegon and Sifan Hassan to the Olympic 5000m gold medal.
Beatrice Chebet executed a brilliant tactical race to clinch Kenya’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, stunning the competition and outpacing the favorite, Faith Kipyegon, in a thrilling women's 5,000 metres final on Monday.
Chebet, who is the reigning 10,000m record holder, won silver and bronze respectively at the event at the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics championships but was determined to get the ultimate colour this time round.
Entering the race as the underdog, Chebet, the world silver medallist, managed to stay under the radar in a field brimming with talent, including world record holder Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia, Dutch sensation Sifan Hassan, and Kipyegon, who was the overwhelming favorite. Chebet’s strategy was clear—bide her time, conserve energy, and strike when the moment was right.
Despite the high stakes and the aggressive tactics on display, Chebet remained calm and positioned herself strategically just behind Kipyegon.
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15:53 - 06.08.2024
The millions Beatrice Chebet will pocket after stunning Faith Kipyegon to win Olympics gold
Beatrice Chebet won Kenya’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics on Monday and she is guaranteed millions in prize money from both her country and World Athletics.
As the bell rang signaling the final lap, Kipyegon seemed poised to take gold, but Chebet had other plans. In the final 60 meters, Chebet unleashed a powerful sprint, passing Kipyegon to cross the finish line first in a time of 14:28.56, capturing her first Olympic title and Kenya’s first gold medal of the Games.
Reflecting on her race strategy, Chebet shared insights into how she prepared to face such a formidable lineup.
“Racing against three athletes who specialize in the 1500m like Gudaf, Faith, and Sifan is a tall order because of their raw speed,” she told the media. “So, I had to make adjustments to my training routine to match up to them, especially when transitioning from slow pacing to a quick finish.”
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15:30 - 06.08.2024
New Olympic 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet gives first-hand account of altercation between Gudaf Tsegay & Faith Kipyegon
Chebet, who was crowned the 5000m gold medalist, has given her account on what really happened between Tsegay and Kipyegon that initially saw the Olympic comitee strip the latter off her silver medal before reinstating it.
Chebet attributed her success to rigorous training and mental preparation, which started early in the season. “My training has been good since I started my season through cross country in Serbia. I’ve been pushing hard because winning a championship this competitive is not easy,” she said.
Beyond her tactical prowess, Chebet also expressed deep admiration for Sifan Hassan, who continues to impress with her versatility and endurance across multiple events at the Games. “She always motivates me. She has personal bests in the 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m, and even the marathon. She’s a great athlete and makes me believe that you can do anything if you believe in yourself.”
Inspired by Hassan’s achievements, Chebet hinted at her future ambitions, which include testing herself in the 10,000m and eventually stepping up to the marathon. “I want to follow in her footsteps too,” she said. “In some years to come, I will also try the marathon.”
Chebet’s victory in Paris was a masterclass in race strategy and mental toughness, and her success signals a bright future for the 24-year-old as she continues to carve her name into the history of long-distance running.
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15:22 - 06.08.2024
Faith Kipyegon addresses clash with Gudaf Tsegay in 5000m after dramatic appeal victory
World 1,500m and Mile record holder Faith Kipyegon has reacted to overwhelming support from Kenyans after her 5000m disqualification was overturned.
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