Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet has announced her pregnancy and will step away from competition for the entire 2026 season. This decision follows a period of significant achievement for the athlete.
The 10,000m and 5000m world record holder informed Nation Sport that she is taking a break to become a mother after a demanding 2024 and 2025 seasons.
“I really pushed myself to the limit the last two years, and this year, I thought it wise to take time off and recover, and while at it, become a mother,” Beatrice Chebet said.
Prior to the announcement, Chebet had indicated she would not participate in the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships. She stated, “The last 2yrs have been more than incredible for us, every goal and dream checked out! Unfortunately, won’t be able to defend my world cross title @worldxcchampionships. Our hearts are full and can’t wait for this next chapter of life…..see you in 2027! @nikewomen @nikerunning @rosassociati @nike.”
Many athletes have successfully returned to elite competition after childbirth, and Chebet may follow a similar path.
Faith Kipyegon, who became a mother in 2018, has since set world records in the 1500m (3:48.68) and the mile (4:07.64), along with African records for the 1000m and 3000m events.
Chebet’s absence will be noted at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 11, despite her not competing in the Kenyan national trials.
The 25-year-old has achieved back-to-back senior World Cross Country titles in Bathurst (2023) and Belgrade (2024), in addition to her U20 victory in Aarhus in 2019.
Kenya has announced its teams for the championships in Tallahassee.
The senior women’s team includes Caren Chebet, Maurine Chebor, Joyline Chepkemoi, Brenda Jepchumba Kenei, Rebecca Mwangi, and Agnes Ngetich.
The senior men’s team consists of Kevin Chesang, Daniel Ebenyo, Denis Kipkoech Kipkemoi, Robert Koech, Shadrack Koech, and Weldon Langat.
The U20 women’s team features Mercy Jelimo, Miriam Chemutai Kibet, Cynthia Chepkirui, Caren Chepngeno, Mercy Chepngeno, and Lonah Cherono.
The U20 men’s team includes Andrew Alamisi, Frankline Kibet, Emmanuel Kiprono, Kelvin Kariankei, Andrew Kiptoo, and Edwin Elkana.
The mixed relay team is comprised of Purity Chepkirui, Reynold Cheruiyot, Judy Kemunto, David Kipkoech, Winfred Mbithe, and Daniel Munguti.
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