World and Olympics champion Beatrice Chebet is already thinking beyond her own medals. The 5,000m world record holder has opened up about the deliberate steps she’s taking to nurture the next wave of elite Kenyan female runners — and the early signs are looking incredibly promising.
Chebet, now one of the most decorated middle-distance athletes on the planet, says she feels a responsibility to help keep Kenya’s dominance alive. For her, that means investing time and support into young girls who show the hunger, courage, and talent that once propelled her onto the world stage.
Over the weekend, Chebet got the perfect reminder of why this mission matters so much to her.
Rising star Fancy Chepkorir catches Chebet’s eye
At the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run in Uasin Gishu County, 18-year-old Fancy Chepkorir delivered a gritty third-place finish in the U20 women’s 6km race. She clocked 22:07, crossing the line behind winner Joan Chepkurui (21:34) and Mercy Kirwa (21:48).
Chebet watched the race in person — and she couldn’t hide her pride.
“Fancy Chepkorir is my girl, and I’m excited to see her perform well,” Chebet said. “I have a crop of youngsters that I’m supporting, and I’m really proud of them.”
For Chebet, seeing a young athlete she mentors step onto a competitive podium brought back memories of her own early days in cross country — the discipline that set her on the path to global success.
A champion committed to lifting the next generation
Chebet says her goal is to see her protégés grow into world-class athletes, just as Faith Kipyegon and herself did. What impressed her most at the weekend wasn’t only the podium finishes, but the raw passion on display.
“I was impressed to see the young kids show up and run barefoot, running with passion. I think this is the best thing ever,” she added.
Her involvement goes beyond motivation. Chebet has been providing mentorship, support, and opportunities for several girls, hoping to create an environment where talent can flourish regardless of background.
And as Chepkorir’s performance showed, that vision is already coming to life.
Keeping Kenya ahead of the world
With global competition intensifying, Chebet believes Kenya must continuously develop the next generation of female runners — not only to protect the country’s legacy, but to ensure future stars have someone paving the way for them.
Her commitment to young athletes signals something deeper: the beginning of a long-term, athlete-driven effort to secure Kenya’s future in middle- and long-distance running.
And if early results are anything to go by, the foundations are already rock-solid.
