Kenya Wins 7 Golds, Finishes Second at World Athletics Championships

• Sep 21, 2025

Kenya delivered a stunning performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, finishing second overall with seven gold medals and 11 total podium finishes. The nine-day event, held at the Japan National Stadium from September 13 to 21, once again highlighted Kenya’s global dominance in middle- and long-distance running.

Beatrice Chebet was the standout star for Team Kenya, claiming two gold medals in remarkable style. She opened the country’s campaign with victory in the women’s 10,000m, clocking 30:37.61, before doubling her tally with another triumph in the women’s 5000m. Her consistency set the tone for the team’s strong showing throughout the championships.

Kenya’s medal rush extended beyond Chebet’s brilliance. Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir added to the gold haul by winning the women’s marathon in 2:24:43. Faith Kipyegon, already celebrated as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time, secured gold in the women’s 1500m to further cement her legendary status.

In the women’s 3000m steeplechase, Faith Cherotich stormed to victory, setting a championship record of 8:51.59. Rising star Emmanuel Wanyonyi produced another standout moment, capturing gold in the men’s 800m with a time of 1:41.86, marking a breakthrough in his career. Lilian Odira closed Kenya’s gold tally in dramatic fashion, taking the women’s 800m in a championship-record 1:54.62.

Kenya also collected two silver medals. Faith Kipyegon earned silver in the women’s 5000m, while Dorcas Ewoi finished second in the women’s 1500m to complete a Kenyan one-two finish. The team’s two bronze medals went to Reynold Cheruiyot in the men’s 1500m and Edmund Serem in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.

The United States topped the medal standings with 26 medals, including 16 golds, dominating sprints, relays, and field events. Other notable performances included Botswana’s three medals (two gold, one silver), the Netherlands’ balanced haul of six, and Samoa’s historic first medal—Alex Rose’s bronze in the men’s discus.

Despite Jamaica’s reputation as a sprint powerhouse, the Caribbean nation managed just one gold from its 10 medals. Meanwhile, Great Britain endured a disappointing campaign, failing to secure gold for the first time since 2003.

In total, 147 medals were awarded across the championships, but for Kenya, the seven golds and second-place finish underscored the nation’s continued strength on the world stage.