Beatrice Chebet has carried her exceptional form into the end of the year, capping off a remarkable 2024 season with a dominant performance at the Cross Internacional de Itálica in Seville. Her victory in this World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting was a testament to her class and consistency as one of the sport’s leading long-distance runners.
From the very start, Chebet displayed her intent by taking an aggressive approach to the race, creating an early gap between herself and her competitors. The field featured a mix of seasoned runners and promising talents, including Kazakhstan’s Deisy Jepkemei, Uganda’s Charity Cherop, and Kenya’s Mercy, Diana, and Sharon Chepkemoi. Chebet’s pace, however, proved too strong for the competition. Even European 5000m bronze medalist Marta García, her compatriot Carolina Robles, and Sweden’s Sarah Lahti athletes known for their own strengths struggled to match her tempo.
As the race progressed, Chebet maintained her composure, managing her energy efficiently while extending her lead. Her confidence shone in the final stages, where she delivered an impressive 7:42 final lap. Crossing the finish line in 23:32, she secured a clear victory, with Jepkemei coming in second at 23:59 and Cherop finishing third with a time of 24:35. Reflecting on her win, Chebet expressed satisfaction at finally claiming victory in her third attempt at the event. She also relished the opportunity to compete alongside younger compatriots, highlighting the importance of fostering team spirit and mentorship within the Kenyan running community.
This victory in Seville adds another chapter to Chebet’s outstanding 2024 season, during which she established herself as a dominant force on both the track and cross-country circuits. The year began with a successful title defense at the World Cross Country Championships, where she reaffirmed her supremacy in long-distance running. Her winning streak extended to the Diamond League Meeting in Doha, where she triumphed in the 5000m, clocking an impressive 14:26.98.
One of the most defining moments of Chebet’s year came at the Prefontaine Classic, where she shattered the 10,000m world record with a jaw-dropping time of 28:54.14. Her remarkable performance not only rewrote the record books but also showcased her ability to excel under pressure. This historic achievement was followed by a strong showing at the Kenyan Olympic trials, where she finished second to Faith Kipyegon in the 5000m, securing her spot at the Paris Olympic Games.
The Paris Olympics became the crowning achievement of Chebet’s season. In a historic feat, she claimed gold in both the 5000m and 10,000m events, cementing her legacy as a double Olympic champion. Her ability to dominate on the grandest stage in athletics demonstrated not just her physical prowess but also her mental resilience and tactical acumen.
Following her Olympic triumphs, Chebet continued to compete with the same intensity, showing no signs of complacency. At the Diamond League Meeting in Zurich, she delivered a commanding performance in the 5000m, running a solo race to clinch victory. Her versatility was further evident at the Grand Prix Lombardia, where she added a win in the 3000m to her list of accomplishments. She closed her track season in style by claiming the 5000m title at the Diamond League final in Brussels, solidifying her status as the year’s top distance runner.
Chebet’s extraordinary performances throughout the year have set a high benchmark for the sport, earning her accolades and admiration from fans and competitors alike. Her ability to excel across multiple events and distances has made her one of the most versatile and reliable athletes in the world.
As she shifts her focus to 2025, Chebet remains determined to build on her success. With her current form, dedication, and hunger for excellence, she is well-positioned to continue achieving greatness in the years ahead. Her career trajectory serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a reminder of the heights that can be reached through hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment.
