Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet proved once again why she is one of the finest distance runners of her generation, completing a memorable 10,000m–5000m double at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Just as she did at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Chebet claimed both long-distance crowns, this time outkicking teammate and close friend Faith Kipyegon in a tactical 5000m final.
Chebet surged to victory in 14:54.36, followed by Kipyegon in 14:55.07, while Italy’s Nadia Battocletti took bronze in 14:55.42. Remarkably, all three medallists repeated their podium presence from earlier in the championships, each leaving Tokyo with two medals.
Running with the likes of Faith and Nadia, you just have to believe in yourself.Today was not an easy race. I came here without pressure and I knew I should not stress myself. If you lose or win, you need to believe in yourself and in being able to come back stronger.
Perez Dominates the Walks Again
Spain’s Maria Perez etched her name deeper into the history books by repeating her global race walk double. Having won the 35km title on the opening day, she returned to secure 20km gold in 1:25:54, the second-fastest mark of her career.
Perez, now a four-time world champion, was pushed hard by Alegna Gonzalez, who set a North American record of 1:26:06 for silver. Local favourite Nanako Fujii brought the stadium to life by clinching bronze in a Japanese record of 1:26:18, securing her nation’s first-ever medal in this event at the World Championships.
I have been in five World Championships and this is my fourth medal. I am the happiest woman in the world. I did not come here today to make history in women's sport. I just came to improve myself and not focus on the time.
Wanyonyi Leads Record-Breaking 800m
Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi delivered the performance of the night, storming to men’s 800m gold in a championship record of 1:41.86. The Olympic champion faced an extraordinary field in a race that will be remembered for its depth – the first ever in which eight men dipped under 1:43.
Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati took silver in 1:41.90, while defending champion Marco Arop of Canada settled for bronze in 1:41.95. Ireland’s Cian McPhillips also produced a landmark performance, setting a national record of 1:42.15 to finish fourth.
I didn't take this race for granted.I wanted to do everything to secure the gold. Now I need to defend this title. I want to be a double world champion. Maybe I will start to think about the world record too.
Hall Ends US Heptathlon Wait
The United States celebrated its first women’s heptathlon world title in 32 years as Anna Hall lived up to her billing as the pre-event favourite. She amassed 6888 points to secure gold, dominating from the second event and steadily building her lead across the seven disciplines.
Ireland’s Kate O’Connor shattered her national record to earn silver with 6714 points, while defending champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson of Great Britain and USA’s Taliyah Brooks shared bronze, each finishing with 6581 points.
Field Event Success
Elsewhere, the titles in the throws went to Europe and South America. The Netherlands’ Jessica Schilder produced a strong series to win the shot put, Ecuador’s Juleisy Angulo triumphed in the javelin, and Brazil’s Caio Bonfim continued his fine form by winning the men’s 20km race walk.
