Beatrice Chebet of Kenya has claimed a historic gold medal in the women's 10,000 metres at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, fulfilling a long-held ambition for her first track gold at the global event. The double Olympic champion and world record holder in both the 5,000m and 10,000m, crossed the finish line in a winning time of 30 minutes, 37.61 seconds. Her victory on Day 1 of the championships was a moment of immense pride for Kenya, with fans having eagerly anticipated a medal.

The race proved to be a tough, highly tactical affair, as described by Chebet herself. "It was a tough, very tactical race, but I ran the last 800 metres really hard," she stated. "I have never won a gold at the world championships, so I was sure I had to get it. That was running in my mind during the race. This title means a lot to me and I hope it will motivate young athletes out there." She expressed immense joy for her achievement, now adding a World Championship title to her World Cross Country and Olympic medals, and thanked her supporters including her coach, family, Athletics Kenya, and the Ministry of Sports.

Italy's Nadia Battocletti secured the silver medal, setting a new national record of 30:38.23, while Ethiopia's defending champion, Gudaf Tsegay, earned the bronze with a time of 30:39.65. The race saw a fierce contest, particularly with Tsegay, who had been defending her 2023 world 10,000m title and whose 5,000m world record had been previously broken by Chebet in July. Agnes Ngetich, Chebet's Kenyan teammate and 10km world record holder, also played a crucial role, providing strong pacing and support, though she ultimately finished fourth, just outside the medal positions.

The 10,000m final unfolded with predictable tactical manoeuvres. Chebet took command of the lead with 14 of the 25 laps remaining, heading a pack that included Ngetich, Tsegay, and other Ethiopian contenders Ejgayehu Taye and Fotyen Tsefay, alongside Battocletti. Chebet strategically slowed the pace to allow Ngetich to take over at the halfway mark. As the race progressed and the pace fluctuated, Tsefay was dropped, leaving a quintet of strong contenders. With five laps remaining, Ngetich continued to set the pace, with Battocletti maintaining an inside position. Tsegay made a significant move with 1km to go, narrowing the leading group to four. Although Tsegay led through the bell, Chebet unleashed a decisive kick at the 150-metre mark, followed closely by Battocletti. Chebet's strong finish down the home straight secured her the gold.

Initially, there was speculation about Chebet attempting a distance double by also competing in the 5,000m, a feat previously achieved by Tirunesh Dibaba (2005) and Vivian Cheruiyot (2011). While she had previously suggested a long season might lead to her closing it after the 10,000m, Chebet has since confirmed her focus on the upcoming 5,000m race. She aims for another podium position, with the heats beginning on September 18 and the final on September 20. "It was not an easy race. I had to be mentally strong to win. The opponents were strong, especially Tsegay (Gudaf) who was defending her title," Chebet remarked, acknowledging the strength of her rivals. She added, "The 5000m will be anyone’s to win. If Faith (Kipyegon) wins, I will celebrate her and she will do the same if I emerge victorious," highlighting camaraderie among the athletes. For her remarkable victory, Chebet is also poised to receive Sh3 million from the Kenyan government, in addition to the World Athletics prize money.