Chebet Makes History Again, Cheruiyot Settles for Second in Rome
By Martin Cheruiyot
On a night buzzing with anticipation at the Stadio Olimpico, Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet delivered yet another masterclass. In a lightning-fast women’s 5000m, she clocked an astonishing 14:03.69—making her the second-fastest woman of all time, just behind Gudaf Tsegay’s world record.
From the moment the gun went off, Chebet meant business—fluid, focused, and untouchable. By the bell lap, the crowd was on its feet, sensing history. Though she narrowly missed the world record by just three seconds, her performance left no doubt: this was greatness on display.
And it wasn’t a one-off. Just two weeks ago in Rabat, Chebet came within a second and a half of the 3000m world record. After the race in Rome, she confirmed she’s eyeing the record books. “The world record is definitely in my plans,” she said with quiet confidence.
In the men’s 1500m, four-time Diamond League champion Timothy Cheruiyot looked poised for a signature win. With 100m to go, he surged ahead, his stride full of intent. But France’s Azeddine Habz had other ideas.
With perfect timing and a final burst of speed, Habz chased down Cheruiyot in the home stretch and edged past him at the tape, clocking 3:29.72—a personal best and just shy of the world-leading time.
Cheruiyot finished a strong second, signaling a return to top form as the season heats up.
Rome witnessed drama, speed, and history. And with Chebet and Cheruiyot in this kind of shape, the summer promises even more.
