Who is Beatrice Chebet? Everything about the Kenyan who set the 10000m world record by breaking the 29-minute barrier

Beatrice Chebet is a Kenyan long-distance runner who recently broke the 10000m world record at the Prefontaine Classic. The 24-year-old also became the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier in the event.

The Kenyan registered a run time of 28:54.14 and shattered the previous record of 29:01.03 held by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist (10,000m), Letsenebet Gedey. Owing to her staggering performance the 24-year-old became the first woman ever to break the 29-minute barrier in the Women's 10,000m event. It was the very first time she ran in the discipline outside Kenya.

This performance also earned Chebet a berth for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 in the 10,000m event.

During the race, Chebet was in a close contest with the two-time World Championships gold medalist, Gudaf Tsegay who was one of the clear favorites to win the race. However, the 24-year-old Kenyan accelerated superbly in the last lap and moved past the Ethiopian with ease.

Speaking about the incredible last lap that she pulled out during the race, Chebet said in the post-match interview:

"The last lap just motivated me, especially when Gudaf dropped. Then I realized ‘Oh, I am the best, so I can go."

With all this said, let's explore more about the 24-year-old long-distance runner from Kenya, Beatrice Chebet.

Beatrice Chebet: Family and hometown

Chebet at the Prefontaine Classic 2024 (photo: Getty)

Chebet was born on March 5, 2000, in Kenya to Francis Kirui and Lilian Kirui. She also has a sister, Sandra Chebet who has participated in various track and field competitions such as the World U20 Championships.

Beatrice Chebet: Education

Chebet at the 2024 Diamond League meet in Doha (photo: Getty)

Chebet completed her schooling at Saramerk Secondary High School in Londiani (a town in Kericho county of Kenya). She passed out from the school in 2013 and following this, she joined the Lemotit Athletics Club to pursue her dream of becoming a track and field athlete.

Beatrice Chebet's other achievements

Beatrice Chebet

Chabet has emerged to be one of the most talented Kenyan track and field athletes when it comes to middle and long-distance events. During her junior career, Chabet produced some incredible performances to clinch the African Junior Championships and the World Championships in the Women's 5000m event.

The 24-year-old has also clinched a silver and bronze medal in 500m events at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships respectively. Besides, she is also a three-time Cross Country and one-time African Championships gold medalist.