Kenya has etched its name into athletics history after its women’s team pulled off an unprecedented clean sweep of all middle and long-distance events at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The crowning moment came on Sunday when Lilian Odira stormed to gold in the 800m, clocking a championship record of 1:54.62. Her victory sealed Kenya’s 11th medal of the competition and an astonishing seventh gold.
Odira’s triumph added to a glittering medal haul that includes Faith Kipyegon in the 1500m, Beatrice Chebet’s double in the 5,000m and 10,000m, Faith Cherotich in the steeplechase, and Peres Jepchirchir in the marathon.
It is the first time in history that one nation’s women have swept every distance event at a global championships. The achievement cements Kenya’s reputation as the powerhouse of endurance running and sets a new benchmark in athletics.
President William Ruto hailed the athletes, saying: “Our heroines have redefined excellence. This sweep is not just victory for Kenya, it is history for the world.”
For Kenya, already synonymous with distance dominance, Tokyo 2025 will be remembered as the year its women turned the track and road into their kingdom.
