Vivian Cheruiyot became the first Kenyan woman ever to win Olympic gold in the 5K when she hunted down 10K world record-holder Almaz Ayana to claim the victory in 14:26. Cheruiyot's performance shattered the Olympic record. Her teammate Hellen Obiri followed for silver in 14:29 and Ethiopia's Olympic 10K champion Ayana closed for bronze in 14:33 to highlight the distance final Friday night in Rio de Janeiro.



Cheruiyot beat Ayana with a fatal surge in the toughest portion of the race, with two laps remaining. As a result of her brave move, she made history for her country. The pre-race well wishes from Usain Bolt may have helped a bit.

Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya got well wishes from Usain Bolt moments before she WON Women's 5000M in 14:26.17 new OR. pic.twitter.com/JXY6jK2zO2

— Team Jamaica (@JamaicaOlympics) August 20, 2016

Ayana attempted to break the field by asserting herself in the lead at the 2K mark. After splitting 6:00 for 2K, Ayana continued to push the pace. She commanded a 30-meter lead on the chase pack, which included Cheruiyot, Obiri, Mercy Cherono, and Yasemin Can.

The Olympic and world champion blazed through 3K in 8:47 with no competition in sight. It seemed as if Ayana would run away with another Olympic gold medal.

Meanwhile, Cheruiyot plotted her move, and inched closer to overtake Ayana. With two laps remaining, Cheruiyot threw down a surge and passed the Ethiopian.

Cheruiyot continued to build her lead and eventually run her way to Olympic gold. The performance marks the five-time world champion's first Olympic gold after earning silver in the 5K in 2012 and silver in the 10K in Rio.

Ayana maintained podium position by closing for third in 14:33. She closed even faster in the second half of her 10K world record just a few days ago.

Almaz Ayana, 14:30 in the second half of her 10k world record. 14:33 in the 5k tonight. h/t @houseofrun @AndreRoukema

— Nick Zaccardi (@nzaccardi) August 20, 2016

The lone American in the race, Shelby Houlihan was able to finish 11th overall in 15:08, just a few seconds shy of her personal best in the event. The performance marks Houlihan's first Olympic final of her career.