Beatrice Chebet is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars of 2024, capturing not only the hearts of her fans but also two Olympic gold medals that have solidified her status as a top-tier athlete. The 24-year-old Kenyan runner has achieved remarkable success this year, clinching victories in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the Paris Olympics. These wins have further enhanced her reputation on the global stage, adding to an already stellar season that includes a World Cross-Country title and a world record in the 10,000m at the Eugene Diamond League.
Beatrice Chebet’s Golden Year: Double Olympic Glory and Record Earnings
Chebet’s success on the track has not only brought her accolades but also substantial financial rewards. Her journey to the top this year began with her defending the World Cross-Country title in Belgrade, Serbia, in March. This victory earned her a prize of $30,000 (Ksh3,870,000), setting the stage for what would become an extraordinary year for the young athlete.
The Diamond League circuit proved to be another successful venture for Chebet. In May, she kicked off her Diamond League season with a win in the 5,000m in Doha, Qatar, showcasing her dominance in the middle-distance races. However, it was at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, where Chebet truly made history. Competing in the 10,000m, she broke Letesenbet Gidey’s world record by running an astounding time of 28:54.14, becoming the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier in this distance. This remarkable feat not only earned her the winner’s prize of $10,000 (Ksh1,290,000) but also a $50,000 (Ksh6,450,000) bonus for breaking the world record. Her total earnings from the Diamond League races this year amount to Ksh9,030,000.
Chebet’s triumphs continued at the Paris Olympics, where she solidified her place among the world’s elite by winning gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events. The Paris Olympics have been a particularly rewarding event for track and field athletes, with World Athletics offering substantial prize money for medallists. Each Olympic gold medalist in track and field received $50,000 (Ksh6,450,000), meaning Chebet’s double victory brought her a total of $100,000 (Ksh12.9 million). In addition to the Olympic prize money, the Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Sports, pledged to reward each gold medalist with Ksh3 million. As the only double gold medalist from Team Kenya, Chebet will receive an additional Ksh6 million, bringing her total earnings from the Olympics to Ksh18.9 million.
The financial success accompanying Chebet’s athletic achievements highlights the rewards of her hard work and dedication to the sport. With her nearly Ksh32 million in earnings this year, Chebet has emerged not only as a leading athlete but also as a prominent figure in the global athletics community. Her success this season is particularly significant when considering the intense competition and the high expectations placed upon her.
As 2024 unfolds, Beatrice Chebet’s achievements are beginning to rival those of her friend and fellow Kenyan star, Faith Kipyegon, who dominated the athletics scene in 2023. Chebet’s rise to prominence this year has been meteoric, with her accomplishments on the track earning her widespread recognition and respect. Her ability to perform consistently at the highest level, coupled with her record-breaking feats, has positioned her as one of the most successful athletes of the year.
Looking ahead, Chebet’s future in athletics appears even brighter. Her success in 2024 has set the stage for continued excellence, with many expecting her to dominate the middle- and long-distance events for years to come. As she continues to build on her achievements, Chebet’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in Kenya and around the world.
Beatrice Chebet’s 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With two Olympic gold medals, a world record, and nearly Ksh32 million in earnings, she has firmly established herself as a leading figure in athletics. Her remarkable achievements are a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination, and they have earned her a place among the sport’s elite. As the year progresses, all eyes will be on Chebet to see how she continues to shine on the global stage.
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