Chebet, Twice Denied Athlete of the Year, Embraces New Journey in 2026
Reigning World and Olympic 5000m and 10,000m champion turns focus from medals to motherhood
World Athletics may have twice overlooked Beatrice Chebet for the prestigious Athlete of the Year award, despite her extraordinary achievements on the track, but what cannot be denied the Kenyan star is the chance to embrace motherhood.
The 26-year-old distance runner, who stunned the world with a 5000m and 10,000m double at the 2024 Olympic Games and repeated the feat at the 2025 World Championships, has announced she will become a mother in 2026.
Chebet also set world records in the 10,000m, 5km road race, and most recently the 5000m, becoming the first woman in history to break the 14-minute barrier.
On Instagram, Chebet shared the news with a heartfelt message: ‘I have chased finish lines, medals, and dreams. Now I am chasing a love I haven’t met yet. Motherhood begins in 2026.’
Her post was accompanied by a reminder of her medal haul: World Cross Country titles in 2023 and 2024, silver at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, and bronze at the 2023 edition in Budapest.
