Two-time Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet has announced her bold ambition to break the 14-minute barrier in the women’s 5000m after a record-breaking performance at the Wanda Diamond League meet in Rome on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Chebet clocked an incredible 14:03.69, setting a meet record and running the second-fastest 5000m time in history. Only Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, who holds the world record, has gone faster. The 25-year-old Kenyan star impressed fans and analysts alike with her dominant performance and relentless pace.
“Everything is possible,” Chebet said after the race. “If I get someone to push me to 3000m, I believe I can break 14. I wanted to test myself and see how fast I could go. After running a personal best and a meeting record, I’m very impressed. The sub-14 is coming soon.”
Chebet’s 2025 season has been electric. She opened the year with a world-leading 14:27.12 in Xiamen, followed by a stunning 8:11.56 in the 3000m at the Rabat Diamond League, placing her second on the all-time list.
In Rome, the fast pace benefitted other runners too. Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu finished second with a personal best of 14:19.33, while Italy’s Nadia Battocletti broke the national record with 14:23.15, thrilling the home crowd.
“I helped others achieve their best too, and I’m proud of that. Without them, this performance wouldn’t be possible,” Chebet said.
Coach Alberto Salazar praised her peak form, stating, “She’s peaking at the right time.” Chebet agreed, saying, “I felt strong and just went for it.”
She now looks ahead to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, set for September 13–21, where she plans to compete in both the 5000m and 10,000m.
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