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In Paris, Chebet came up against a formidable line-up of some of the biggest names in the sport but beat them all.
Paris Olympics double gold medalist Beatrice Chebet has opened up about the immense pressure she faced competing against a star-studded lineup at the 2024 Olympic Games, where she emerged victorious in both the 5,000m and 10,000m races.
In the 5,000m final, Chebet lined up against a field that read like a who’s who of distance running, featuring Kenyan compatriot Faith Kipyegon, Ethiopian powerhouse Gudaf Tsegay, and Dutch sensation Sifan Hassan.
Each of these athletes with a decorated track record, made the race one of the most anticipated events of the Games.
Reflecting on the high-stakes competition, Chebet candidly shared the mental challenges she faced.
"The tension is always there," she revealed in an interview with NTV.
"It starts even the night before. You sleep and wake up at 3 in the morning worried because you know everyone is watching you and they expect you to deliver."
Chebet acknowledged that stepping onto the track with the eyes of the world, including her family, fixed on her added to the weight of expectations.
"The moment you get to that starting lineup, the pressure is immense," she admitted.
However, once the starting gun was fired, Chebet found her focus and executed the plan.
"But the moment we start, the tension just goes away. The tension remains on the coaches and the spectators. Now it gets down to overseeing your race plan and securing your position," she explained.
Her composure and strategy paid off in the dramatic 5,000m final. Chebet ran a calculated race, biding her time before making her move on the final lap where she unleashed a devastating sprint to outpace Faith Kipyegon and claim gold in a thrilling finish.
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10:45 - 22.12.2024
'I couldn't sleep' - Faith Kipyegon opens up on how drama-shrouded Paris 5000m silver medal effect on her daughter propelled her to historic triple-gold
Three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has opened up about how the drama in 5000m motivated her to clinch an unprecedented third Olympic gold in the 1500m.
Chebet’s success didn’t stop there. She went on to dominate the 10,000m, securing her second gold medal of the Games and solidifying her status as one of the greatest distance runners.
The Paris Olympics marked an extraordinary chapter in Chebet's career, showcasing not just her athletic prowess but also her mental fortitude.
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