‘If Faith Could Do It, Why Not Me?’: Beatrice Chebet makes history in Eugene

On a night of record-breaking brilliance at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Beatrice Chebet etched her name into the history books by becoming the first woman ever to run under 14 minutes in the 5000m. Her stunning time of 13:58.06 not only shattered the previous world record but also fulfilled a personal prophecy—one sparked by inspiration and belief.

Just weeks earlier in Rome, Chebet had clocked 14:03.69, a personal best that opened her eyes to a new possibility.

‘In Rome, I was just running to win,’ she said. ‘But after running 14:03, I told myself, ‘I’m capable of a world record.’ That realization set her on a mission. She returned home, refocused, and set her sights on Eugene.

But it wasn’t just her own performance that lit the fire. Watching her compatriot and close friend Faith Kipyegon chase the elusive sub-four-minute mile in Paris gave her the final push.

‘I said, ‘If Faith is trying, why not me?’ Chebet recalled. ‘And today, I’m so happy because I’ve achieved being the first woman to run under 14. I’m so happy for myself.’

Chebet credited her success to discipline, hard work, and the unwavering support of her coach, husband, and Faith Kipyegon, whom she called ‘a close friend.’ She also praised Hayward Field, the site of both her 10,000m world record in 2024 and now her 5000m masterpiece. ‘It’s a good track for me,’ she smiled.

With the World Championships in Tokyo on the horizon, Chebet is not just chasing medals—she’s chasing legacy.

‘I’m happy to represent my country,’ she said. ‘We have a strong field, and we hope for good health and good results there.’