Beatrice Chebet, the History Maker, shares the secrets behind her double gold achievement at the Paris Olympics.

Newly crowned double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet credits her success at the Paris Games to self-belief and perseverance.

Chebet, who made history as the first Kenyan woman to win Olympic gold in the women’s 10,000m, emphasized that her achievements resulted from many months of hard work rather than luck.

“It’s not easy being a debutant at the Olympics and winning two gold medals. It was challenging, but it all comes down to believing in yourself and persevering. You must be disciplined, work hard, and get support from your coach, family, and friends,” Chebet explained.

The world record holder for the women’s 10,000m finished the 25-lap race in 30:43.25, adding to her triumph in the 5000m, where she clocked 14:28.56.

This Olympics was particularly memorable for her, as she had missed the previous edition in Tokyo 2021, where she finished fifth in the women’s 5000m national trials.

Chebet’s moment of realization came during the Cursa del Nassos 5km race in Barcelona last December, where she set a world record of 14:00.

“I knew I could achieve something great after breaking the world record. I started the year aiming to defend my world title at the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia and then went on to break the women’s 10,000m world record at the Prefontaine Classic,” she said.

Upon her return to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from France, Chebet received a red carpet welcome, accompanied by fellow history maker and triple Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, marathoners Sharon Lokedi and Peres Jepchirchir, and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Wiseman Were.

The World 5000m silver medalist expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming crowd that welcomed them.

“I appreciate everyone for coming out to greet us. I’ve returned to the country from international competitions many times, but I’ve never seen such a crowd. I didn’t expect this,” she said.

Chebet and her teammates are set to receive more recognition when President William Ruto hosts a grand reception in Eldoret on Thursday.