Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet was once again in a class of her own as she dominated the field in Brussels to win the 2024 Diamond League title on Saturday night, finishing ahead of Ethiopia’s Eisa Medina and Tsfay Foyten.
The double Olympic champion, who has been in a league of her own on the track this season, capped off a historic 2024 campaign with a time of 14:09.82.
Chebet went to the Diamond League Meeting in Zurich with one goal in mind, to attack Gudaf Tsegay’s world record in the women’s 5000m.
Kenny Bednarek had a great start off the blocks, something that paid off well for him with Letsile Tebogo's poor execution costing him a win.
This victory not only secured her the coveted Diamond League trophy but also saw her shatter the previous meeting record of 14:09.82, set by Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana in September 2016.
Although she fell just nine seconds short the Kenyan star has proven herself a relentless competitor setting new benchmarks throughout the season.
Behind Chebet, Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa delivered a standout performance, securing second place and setting a new World Under-20 Record with an impressive time of 14:21.89.
Fotyen Tesfay, another Ethiopian athlete, clocked a personal best of 14:28.53 to clinch third place. Ethiopia’s dominance in the event was further highlighted by Ejgayehu Taye’s fourth-place finish in 14:29.70.
Kenya’s Caroline Nyaga added to the excitement with a fifth-place finish, setting a personal best of 14:30.14, while Japan’s Nozomi Tanaka secured sixth place with a season-best time of 14:31.88.
Ethiopia’s Melknat Wudu achieved a personal best of 14:36.65 to finish seventh, and American Karissa Schweizer rounded out the top eight with a season-best of 14:36.88. Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama completed the top nine, finishing in 14:49.79.
Kipyegon ends season on a high by setting another record in Brussels to take home the 1500m Diamond League title yet again.
Chebet’s strategy in the race was evident as she took control from the start, with two pacemakers leading the way before they dropped off.
Once at the front, she never looked back, proving once again why she is a force to be reckoned with.
Chebet’s performance in Brussels adds another chapter to her remarkable 2024 season. Earlier in the year, she broke the world record in the 10,000 meters, clocking an astonishing 28:54.14 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
She also shattered the world record for the 5-kilometer road race in Barcelona, setting a blistering time of 14:13, a record that remains unbeaten.
Faith Cherotich outpaced Olympic champion Winfred Yavi in a thrilling race to claim the Diamond League steeplechase title.
On top of her record-breaking feats, Chebet secured gold in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters at the Paris Olympic Games, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest distance runners of her generation.
The only elusive record that Chebet has yet to conquer is the 5000 meters world record, currently held by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay at 14:00.21.
Chebet had hoped to break it in Zurich but was thwarted by rainy conditions, finishing just nine seconds short. Despite the near miss, Chebet remains undeterred and is confident she will eventually break the record.