- Beatrice Chebet broke the 5000m world record at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic held in Eugene, United States, on Saturday July 5.
- Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon set a new 1500m world record with a time of 3:48.68.
- Kenyan President William Ruto has led the nation in congratulating the two athletes for their outstanding performances.
Messages of celebration continue to pour in for world record-breaking Kenyan athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet following their sensational performances at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic also known as the Eugene Diamond League, held on Saturday, July 5.
Two-time Olympic medalist Beatrice Chebet was the first to rewrite history, delivering a commanding performance in the 5000m.
She crossed the finish line in a staggering time of 13:58.06, becoming the first woman in history to run under the 14-minute barrier in the event.
Her achievement shattered the previous world record of 14:00.21, set by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay at the same venue in 2023.
Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon, who narrowly missed breaking the sub-4-minute mile mark just ten-days prior, returned to the track with vengeance and determined.
The multiple Olympic and world champion clinched a new world record in the 1500m, clocking an astonishing 3:48.68, surpassing her previous best of 3:49.04 set at the Paris Diamond League in 2024.
Congratulations pour in for World Record-Breakers Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet after historic wins at the Prefontaine Classic 2025
As a result of these extraordinary feats, Kenyans and admirers across the globe flooded social media with tributes and accolades.
Kenyan President William Ruto led the wave of praise, posting a heartfelt message on his official X account:
We salute Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet for setting new world records in the women’s 1500m and 5000m events at the Prefontaine Classic.
Congratulations Ms Kipyegon for breaking your own record with a breathtaking and inspirational run. Hats off to Ms Chebet for becoming the first woman in history to run under 14 minutes on the track!
Well done to Agnes Jebet for securing a strong second-place finish in the 5000m. Your remarkable achievements have once again lifted Kenya’s flag high and filled the nation with pride. This well-deserved victory reaffirms Kenya’s enduring dominance on the global athletics stage.”
ALSO READ: Super Human Faith Kipyegon smashes 1500m world record at Prefontaine Classic 2025
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya echoed similar sentiments, lauding the athletes for their unmatched excellence:
“Congratulations Faith for a breathtaking display of brilliance. Faith storms to a new world record of 3:48.68 in the 1500m at the Nike Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, breaking her own mark by 0.36 seconds, almost exactly a year to the day since she first made history.
Your dominance, grace, and unwavering consistency on the track are nothing short of legendary. Kenya beams with pride as you continue to redefine what’s possible.”
Congratulations Beatrice Chebet!
What a phenomenal achievement, running 13:58.06 to shatter the world record in the 5,000 meters at the Nike Prefontaine Classic!
With an incredible sprint finish, you’ve become the first woman in history to break the 14-minute barrier, a feat once thought impossible.
Kenya stands proud of your unrelenting spirit, discipline, and unwavering belief that continues to inspire the world,” he added.
ALSO READ: Brilliant Beatrice Chebet breaks 5000m world record at Prefontaine Classic 2025
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also joined the chorus of praise:
“A performance for the ages from our track queens! Congratulations to Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon on breaking the 5000m and 1500m world records, respectively, in the Prefontaine Classic last night.
You’re pushing the limits of possibility and lifting our country with you. Extremely proud of you and all the Kenyans in Oregon last night representing our flag.
Well done!” he stated.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga also congratulated the two athletes with a heartfelt message on his X platform:
Congratulations to Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet for the new world records in the women’s 1500m and 5000m events at the Prefontaine Classic.The country is proud of your efforts. Kenya’s flag and stature flies high today. Thank you!”
As accolades continue to stream in for the two exceptional athletes, their focus now shifts to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
With the nation behind them, both Kipyegon and Chebet will aim not only to defend their titles but to elevate Kenya’s legacy on the global stage.
