Emmanuel Wanyonyi pushes hard to win men's 800m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, September 20, 2025. /AK
President William Ruto on Saturday led Kenyans in hailing Team Kenya’s exploits at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after a night of spectacular victories on the track.
World 10,000m and 5,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet underlined her supremacy over the long distance once again, completing a stunning double with victory in the women’s 5,000m.
Chebet executed a perfectly judged tactical race, stopping the clock at 14:54.36 to clinch her second title of the Championships.
She held off a late charge from defending champion Faith Kipyegon, who clocked a season’s best of 14:55.07 to secure silver, while Italy’s Nadia Battocletti claimed bronze in 14:55.42.
Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi also stamped his authority on the two-lap race, producing a commanding gun-to-tape performance to take gold in a championship record time of 1:41.86.
Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati secured silver in 1:41.90, while Canada’s former world champion Marco Arop was relegated to bronze in the same time after a photo finish.
President Ruto praised the athletes for flying the country’s flag high: “Brilliant performance from our unstoppable duo, Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon, winning gold and silver in the women’s 5000 metres at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This is the spirit of champions, the greatness we strive for as a people. You have led from the front, inspired millions, and shown that Kenya’s winning tradition lives on. From a grateful nation, we say asante; mubarikiwe hadi mshangae.”
Labour CS Alfred Mutua lauded Wanyonyi’s victory, saying: “Wow! What a race that was. Congratulations to Emmanuel Wanyonyi for a commanding performance in the 800m finals, leading from start to finish to clinch the gold medal. Your pulsating run was a true display of grit and excellence. Kenya celebrates you and is proud of your stellar achievement. Mbele iko sawa!”
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen described the triumphs as proof of Kenya’s dominance: “What a great day for Kenya! Congratulations, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, on your outstanding victory in the Men’s 800m, setting a record at the World Athletics Championships. With six gold medals in this competition so far, we are living up to our billing as a sports powerhouse and we can't be prouder of Team Kenya. Keep winning!”
Interior PS Raymond Omollo added: “Kenya's anthem echoes across Tokyo! Beatrice Chebet runs for gold, Faith Kipyegon strides for silver, their footsteps etching Kenya's name in the history of the 5000m. Congratulations, Team Kenya!”
