How Beatrice Chebet inspired Naomi Korir's switch to the 1,500m

When double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet lined up for her first-ever Diamond League 1,500m race at the Kamila Skolimowska Memorial in Poland in August 2025, few expected what would follow.

The Kenyan distance-running sensation stunned the field by finishing second in a remarkable 3:54.73, slashing more than 10 seconds off her personal best and climbing to second on Kenya's all-time list for the distance.

 For Naomi Korir, that performance became the catalyst for a career-defining decision. Less than a year later, Korir has emerged as one of Kenya's brightest middle-distance prospects and is set to represent the country in the women's 1,500m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month.

The transition has been nothing short of remarkable. During the national trials, Korir showcased her versatility by securing a double podium finish. She finished second in her traditional 800m event in 2:00.85 behind world champion Lilian Odira before returning to claim the women's 1,500m title in 4:08.57.

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The success is the culmination of months of deliberate adjustments to her training and racing schedule. Korir revealed that relocating her training base to the Cherangany Hills played a significant role in changing her outlook on middle-distance running.

"Moving my training base to the Cherangany Hills completely changed my perspective on middle-distance running. I started competing in the 5,000m during weekend meetings, and I have already begun to see the rewards of that decision. I have performed very well in the event, and it has given me confidence to explore new distances."

Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone became evident early in the season. Korir opened her 2026 campaign by winning the senior women's 2km loop in 6:42 in Eldoret before testing herself over longer distances, including the 5,000m at various Athletics Kenya Open Weekend Meets.

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The experience helped her build the endurance needed to complement the speed she had developed as an 800m runner.

 "Competing at the Sirikwa Classic and the Kip Keino Classic played a huge role in my development. The 1,500m requires both speed and endurance, so I was able to combine the speed I gained from the 800m with the endurance I built through cross-country running. That combination worked perfectly for me."

Having competed in the 800m, cross-country races and the 5,000m, Korir believes the 1,500m now offers the ideal balance for her strengths.

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 "At the moment, I feel the 1,500m suits me better than the 800m. However, success depends on how quickly you adapt to a new challenge. I started my cross-country season late, beginning at Lobo Village, but the experience helped me build the endurance needed for the 1,500m."

Korir also credits fellow Kenyan star Nelly Chepchirchir for inspiring her journey, but it was Chebet's astonishing performance in Poland that ultimately convinced her to make the leap.

 "I have friends like Nelly Chepchirchir who have excelled in the 1,500m, and watching Beatrice Chebet run 3:54 in the Diamond League also inspired me. I told myself that if a 5,000m specialist can produce such a remarkable performance, then why can't I? That was the moment I decided to fully commit to the 1,500m."