The women’s 5000m at the Rome Diamond League delivered high drama and a sensational performance as Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet stormed to victory in a blistering 14:03.69, just three seconds shy of the world record.
But the race’s aftermath stole nearly as much attention as the result, with Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay visibly frustrated.
Chebet’s Dominance Continues
Beatrice Chebet, the reigning world cross-country champion, extended her spectacular 2025 season with a commanding win, shattering the previous meet record held by Dutch star Sifan Hassan. Pushed hard by Tsegay with three laps remaining, the Kenyan found another gear in the final stretch, leaving her rivals in her wake.
Tsegay, who had hoped to challenge her own world record of 14:00.21, faltered in the closing stages, fading to fourth in a season-best 14:24.86, far from her expectations. The Ethiopian’s disappointment was palpable as she crossed the line, setting the stage for an awkward exchange with the victorious Chebet.
Tsegay’s Cold Shoulder Adds Fuel to Rivalry
As Beatrice Chebet approached Tsegay for a customary post-race embrace, the Ethiopian appeared to dismiss the gesture, turning away in clear frustration. The moment quickly went viral, reigniting discussions about the simmering tensions between Tsegay and Kenyan athletes.
This isn’t the first time Tsegay has been at the center of controversy. At last year’s Paris Olympics, she sparked outrage in the 5000m final after attempting to block Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, a move that backfired as she faded to ninth while Kipyegon and Chebet secured a Kenyan gold-silver sweep.
Kipyegon was initially disqualified for obstruction before being reinstated on appeal, a decision that left Tsegay under scrutiny.
A Rivalry Heating Up
With Beatrice Chebet now emerging as the dominant force in women’s distance running, Tsegay’s latest reaction suggests the rivalry is far from cooling off. Athletics fans are already speculating whether this tension will spill over into future clashes, particularly with the World Championships looming later this season.
For now, Chebet’s star continues to rise, while Tsegay faces mounting pressure to respond, both on the track and in the court of public opinion. .
