Chebet Crushes African Record in 3000m as Kenya Stars Light Up Rabat Diamond League
Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet delivered a historic masterclass at the Rabat Diamond League on Sunday, clocking 8:11.56 in the women’s 3000m—smashing the African and Diamond League records while becoming the second-fastest woman in history over the distance. The reigning Olympic 5000m and 10,000m champion ran a tactically sharp race, staying on pace before unleashing a commanding final lap kick to finish over 14 seconds ahead of the field.
Chebet’s time sits just behind Wang Junxia’s 1993 world record of 8:06.11, but her performance marked the fastest time ever run outside China and a clear statement of her dominance across multiple distances.
Despite not targeting a world record, Chebet’s calculated aggression left her alone with the pace lights by the final laps. She surged ahead after the bell, powering home well clear of Italy’s Nadia Battocletti (8:26.27 NR) and Ireland’s Sarah Healy (8:27.02 PB).
“I wasn’t preparing for a world record, I just wanted a personal best,” Chebet said post-race. “But I believe with time, that record will come.”
Elsewhere, Emmanuel Wanyonyi claimed third in the men’s 800m, and Ferdinand Omanyala finished second in the men’s 100m, adding to Kenya’s strong showing.
The men’s steeplechase saw Moroccan superstar Soufiane El Bakkali take victory in a world-leading 8:00.70, cheered on by a roaring home crowd. Kenya’s Edmund Serem, just 17, impressed with a personal best 8:07.47 for third, underlining the country’s bright future in the event.
The Rabat leg reaffirmed Kenya’s dominance on the global stage, blending record-breaking brilliance with emerging talent as the 2025 Diamond League season builds momentum toward the Paris World Championships.
