Kenya's Chebet claims first 10,000 meters World Athletics Championships title

TOKYO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Beatrice Chebet won the women's 10,000 meters gold medal at the 2025 World Championships here on Saturday, clinching her first world title in 30 minutes and 37.61 seconds.

The 25-year-old world record holder surged ahead after the 4,000m split, accompanied by compatriot Agnes Jebet Ngetich, Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay and Fotyen Tesfay, as well as Nadia Battocletti of Italy. Although defending champion Tsegay hit the front after 9,200m split, Double Olympic champion Chebet produced a decisive final sprint to secure the gold medal in 30 minutes and 37.61 seconds.

Paris Olympics silver medallist Battocletti finished in second place in 30:38.23, setting a new Italian national record. Tsegay placed third in 30:39.65, a season best for the Ethiopian.

"It was a tough, very tactical race, but I ran the last 800m really hard. Tsegay pushed a lot and I had to keep going. I wanted that gold medal so much. I have never won a gold at the world championships, so I was sure I had to get it. That was running in my mind during the race," said Chebet. "Maybe, after Los Angeles (the 2028 Olympics), I will try the marathon. But for now, I am staying on the track." Enditem