Ruto hails Kipyegon, Chebet for shattering world records at Prefontaine Classic

Kenyan athletics stars Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet.

President William Ruto has commended Kenyan athletics stars Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet following their record-breaking performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday, July 5.

Kipyegon, 31, delivered a spectacular run in the women’s 1,500 metres, setting a new world record of 3:48.68 seconds.

The three-time Olympic champion eclipsed her previous record of 3:49.04 set last July, reaffirming her place as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history.

Beatrice Chebet also made history in the women’s 5,000 metres, becoming the first woman to run under 14 minutes on the track, a milestone that stunned the athletics world and cemented her name in the record books.

President Ruto, taking to social media, lauded the two athletes for their exceptional achievements, calling their victories “breathtaking and inspirational.”

“Congratulations Ms Kipyegon for breaking your own record with a breathtaking and inspirational run. Hats off to Ms Chebet for becoming the first woman in history to run under 14 minutes on the track!” the President posted on X.

We salute Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet for setting new world records in the women’s 1500m and 5000m events at the Prefontaine Classic.

Congratulations Ms Kipyegon for breaking your own record with a breathtaking and inspirational run.

Hats off to Ms Chebet for becoming… pic.twitter.com/fr3UHYESvl — William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 6, 2025

He added that their success had once again elevated Kenya’s global stature in athletics. “This well-deserved victory reaffirms Kenya’s enduring dominance on the global athletics stage,” Ruto said, expressing national pride.

She crossed the finish line well ahead of her competitors - Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji, who came second in 3:51.44, and Australia's Jessica Hull, who finished third in 3:52.67.