Chebet, Ngetich and Chepngetich; strong Kenyans to watch in Tokyo 25 women’s 10,000m

At the Paris Olympic Games last year, the Kenyan women won the most medals compared to their male counterparts. Beatrice Chebet won two gold medals in the women’s 10,000m and 5,000m events. Faith Kipyegon won the other gold medal in the women’s 1500m.

Today, inside the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, Chebet will be part of the trio representing Kenya in the women’s 10,000m final.

Kenya has long been a dominant force in long-distance running, and the spotlight is now on Chebet, Agnes Ngetich, and Janeth Chepngetich as they prepare to take on the women’s 10,000m at Tokyo 2025. Each of these athletes brings a unique set of strengths and a wealth of experience to the track, making them the Kenyan women to watch in this highly anticipated event.

Chebet is the biggest contender in the women’s 10000m final

The 25-year-old, multiple world cross-country champion, has consistently impressed internationally with her tactical prowess and strong finishes. Her recent performances in major championships have established her as a frontrunner and a favourite for a podium finish in Tokyo.

No one should mistake her third-place finish at the Kenyan trials as a sign of weakness. Her recent performances, including a 3:54.73 in the 1500m last month and the recent 5000m world record of 13:58.06, show that she is currently in her best form to compete at the world stage.

The other top Kenyan contender in the race, Ngetich, is celebrated for her fearless racing style and ability to maintain a relentless pace. She has the fastest time in history over 10 km, 28:46, and also holds the women’s only world record in the distance, 29:27, which she ran this year in April. World Athletics ranks her as the world’s best women’s road runner.

Despite not having an equally impressive resume on the track, her breakthrough races at the World Cross Country Championships have proven her stamina and determination, making her a serious threat to her rivals in Tokyo. Her 5000m time of 14:01.29 on track, which she ran in July should be enough to dispel any doubts as to her ability to run well on track.

10000m African Games Champion, Chepngetich, though relatively seen as less decorated amongst the three Kenyans, has made rapid progress in elite competitions. Her powerful finishing kick and ability to stay composed under pressure could prove crucial in a tactical 10,000m race.

Chepngetich was the winner of the women’s 10,000m at the Kenyan trials, running an impressive time of 30:27.02 at altitude. Her personal best time is 30:04.97, although she has an even faster time on the roads of 29:55. She set the two personal best times last year.

As the mouth-watering women’s 10,000m race approaches, Kenyan fans and athletics enthusiasts around the world are eager to see how Chebet, Ngetich, and Chepngetich will perform. With their dedication, talent, and competitive spirit, these three runners are poised to add to Kenya’s rich history in distance running and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Good start for Kenya, so far, in Tokyo 25

The Tokyo 25 championships started seemingly on a high note for Kenyans in the morning session, where the 4x400m mixed relay team of Mary Moraa, Mercy Oketch, Brian Tinega and Allan Kipyego had run an impressive 3:10.73 to finish second in the second heat in what would have been a new African Record had they not been disqualified. 

On a positive note, it shows that the Kenyan team had speed, that their training went well, and that while they took the right skills to the championships, they only erred on the technical part, which is not actually an athletic skill to start with!

Moraa will compete in the women’s 800m event as an individual, while Mercy Oketch will tackle the 400m from now on.