In a display of athletics prowess, Beatrice Chebet has clinched the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) award for May 2024, following her world record performance at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, USA.
This is the third time Chebet received the prestigious award.
Competing in the 49th edition of the Prefontaine Classic, a renowned track and field event and the fifth leg of the 2024 Diamond League, Chebet made history by becoming the first woman ever to run 10,000m in under 29 minutes.
She clocked 28:54.14, shattering the previous world record of 29:01.03 set by Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey in 2021, and also Kenya’s national record of 29:32.53 held by Vivian Cheruiyot in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Chebet's record-breaking run was not planned, as she revealed to the press.
"I did not plan for it," she said, crediting her fierce competitor, Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay, for setting the pace.
"Gudaf wanted a world record, so I thought I’d go along and see how my body felt. It responded well, so I pushed ahead."
On the race, a heartwarming moment unfolded as Chebet and Tsegay, who are rivals, embraced at the finish line.
"She congratulated me, telling me, ‘You are the best, you are strong,'" Chebet said with a smile.
Chebet’s extraordinary achievement at the Prefontaine Classic also served as the Athletics Kenya qualifiers for the Paris Summer Games.
Her victory not only secured her spot on the Kenyan Olympic team but also showcased her remarkable talent in her first 10,000m race since 2020.
"As we go to Paris, I plan to run both the 5,000m and 10,000m and, God willing, bring home a gold medal. In my global events, I’ve never won gold in a senior championship, but I believe anything can happen," Chebet said.
The award sees Chebet join an elite group of athletes who have won it three times.
"This award allows us to strengthen sports cohesion among our champions and communities. Our commitment is to ensure that the dreams and visions of our sports personalities do not wither," said LG’s Managing Director for East Africa, Dongwon Lee.
SJAK President James Waindi praised all the nominees and expressed confidence in Chebet leading Kenya’s medal hunt in Paris.
"Chebet was the best among a panel of 11 nominees. We urge athletes to compete effectively and strive to better their achievements," Waindi added.
Chebet’s performance not only adds to her legacy in athletics but also inspires a nation, proving that boundaries can always be pushed further. As the world is now focused on Paris, Kenyans will look forward to seeing how Chebet will perform.
