Beatrice Chebet has undergone a significant transformation in the last two years, yet her triumph in the 10,000m on the first day of events in Tokyo marks her inaugural world title.

While her accolades include two Olympic golds, a Commonwealth Games title, and two World Cross Country victories, the Kenyan runner confessed that winning a World Championships title was a dream that had remained elusive until now.

At just 25 years old, her past experiences at the World Championships include a silver medal in the 5,000m in Eugene in 2022 and a bronze in Budapest in 2023, where her fellow compatriot Faith Kipyegon emerged victoriously.

“I was determined to bring back a gold medal,” Chebet told BBC Sport Africa. “I was prepared to give everything because becoming a world champion was my sole focus.”

In a thrilling finish, she surged ahead of a group of three, including defending champion Gudaf Tsegay from Ethiopia, over the final 200m, finishing in 30 minutes and 37.61 seconds.

This victory paves the way for her to potentially become the third woman ever to secure the double in both 5,000m and 10,000m at the World Championships, following the footsteps of Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba (Helsinki 2005) and Kenya’s own Vivian Cheruiyot (Daegu 2011).

“I take great joy in making history and derive immense satisfaction from being part of groundbreaking milestones,” Chebet stated.

“I am eager to join that exclusive group. It’s my dream to have my name etched in that history.”

Chebet has become well-known for breaking records, achieving four world records in the last two years, including two in the 5km road race.

Her journey into the history books began in May of last year when she became the first female athlete to finish the 10,000m race in under 29 minutes, clocking in at 28:54.14 during the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene.

She set another milestone at Hayward Field in Oregon when she broke the 5,000m world record in July of this year.

On that occasion, she became the first woman to achieve a finish below 14 minutes, winning with a time of 13:58.06.

Reflecting on her career, Chebet noted, “It’s been over eight years since I embarked on my journey as a junior athlete. It’s been a long path where I’ve learned to trust the process. I’ve gone from running the 5,000m in over 16 minutes to now chasing my ambitious dreams.”

Her latest achievement, the confirmation of her record, coincided perfectly with her arrival in Japan for the World Championships, leaving her feeling “extremely happy and surprised.”

“It has empowered me to introduce myself as a world record holder in both the 5,000m and the 10,000m at this championship, which is an incredible feeling,” she expressed.

“Above all, it serves as a significant morale boost.”

Even holding both the 5,000m and 10,000m world records, Chebet insists there’s still more she wishes to achieve.

“I aspire to inspire young girls in the same way other remarkable women have motivated me to pursue my aspirations,” Chebet remarked.

“I have come to understand that it’s possible to transcend boundaries and break barriers. We need not constrain ourselves,” she asserted.

As she prepares for the 5,000m heats on Thursday, Chebet’s ambition is to mirror Cheruiyot’s accomplishments, having had the chance to meet her in person for the first time during the national trials in June.

“Vivian is a highly decorated athlete with outstanding achievements,” Chebet praised.

“I admired her skill and her winning spirit through the years. When she appeared in national colors back in 1999 as a junior, I wasn’t even born.”

“It astonishes me to realize I am the first Kenyan to win the world 10,000m title since she last won it a decade ago in Beijing.”

Feeling “very invigorated” as she approaches the 5,000m race, Chebet recognizes it as one of the most highly anticipated events at this World Championships, with the final set for Saturday.

Among the competitors are defending champion Kipyegon and Tsegay, who took silver in Budapest 2023 and is also a previous world record holder.

All eyes will be on the Kenyan duo of Kipyegon and Chebet, who last competed against each other in the 5,000m at the Paris Olympics, where Chebet narrowly claimed victory by just over a second.

Kipyegon is aiming to make history herself, having already secured her fourth world title in the 1500m and is looking for a second consecutive 1500m-5,000m double at the championships.

Thus far, the two athletes have avoided direct competition this season.

“This race will not be straightforward, but we’re all prepared to give our best,” Chebet stated.

Discussing her bond with Kipyegon off the track, her sentiment is clear and straightforward.

“Every competitor desires to win gold. No matter who triumphs, we’ll celebrate each other’s successes.”