Kenyan track star Faith Kipyegon has officially announced her intention to take on 5000m record holder Beatrice Chebet as she plots a gutsy assault on both the 1500m and 5000m events at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The stage is officially set for a high-stakes showdown as Kipyegon goes for redemption in the twelve and half lap race following her miss in Paris.
Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic and world champion in the 1500m, ventured into the 5000m at the 2025 Paris Olympic Games. While she was widely tipped as a medal contender having won the world championship, it was her compatriot Beatrice Chebet who stole the show, clinching gold in the 5000m and going on to dominate the 10,000m as well, becoming one of the standout performers of the Games.
The defeat in Paris left a mark on Kipyegon, who had to contend not only with the physical demands of doubling in two grueling events but also with a controversial disqualification and subsequent reinstatement that briefly cast a shadow over her Olympic campaign.
Now, with the Tokyo World Championships just weeks away, Kipyegon has confirmed she will once again attempt the double — this time with greater resolve and a strategic edge, thanks to a more favorable event schedule.
“I’m glad the World Championships schedule is favourable. The 1500m will come first, then after I’m done with it, I will contest the 5000m,” Kipyegon told reporters at the sidelines of the Kenyan trials held in Nairobi. “Last time in Paris, there was unnecessary controversy involving a disqualification and then reinstatement, but I’m glad that is behind us. I hope Tokyo will be fantastic.” Kipyegon disclosed to Chase Athletics in the sidelines of Kenyan trials in Nairobi
The 30-year-old has been in scintillating form in recent seasons, having set world records in both the 1500m and the mile. Her ability to control races from the front and deliver blistering kicks in the final lap has made her almost unbeatable in her specialty. However, the 5000m remains relatively new territory — and in Beatrice Chebet, Kipyegon faces one of the most complete distance runners on the global stage.
Chebet, who recently completed a dominant double at the Paris Olympics, will enter Tokyo as the defending world champion in the 5000m. Her tactical acumen and endurance over the longer distances have propelled her to the top of the women’s distance running hierarchy.
The prospect of a renewed Kipyegon-Chebet rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue to the women’s 5000m. Athletics fans across the globe will be eager to see whether Kipyegon, known for her precision and mental fortitude, can overcome the challenge and add another global title to her already glittering resume.
Kipyegon’s decision to attempt the double has been met with enthusiasm by fans and analysts alike, many of whom believe that her experience and current form make her a legitimate contender in both events.
Athletics Kenya officials have confirmed that Kipyegon has met the qualification standards for both the 1500m and 5000m, and her inclusion in the final team for Tokyo is all but certain following her performance at the trials.
If successful, Kipyegon will join a small group of elite athletes who have won global titles across both the 1500m and 5000m — a feat that would further cement her legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history.
With the Tokyo World Championships expected to feature some of the strongest fields in recent memory, all eyes will be on the Kenyan duo as they prepare for what could be one of the defining rivalries of the meet.
As Kipyegon herself put it: “I’m focused, I’m fit, and I’m ready. This time, I’m coming for it all.”
