Kenya’s Faith Cherotich has claimed the gold medal in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the world championships, upsetting defending champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain. Cherotich, 21, delivered an impressive performance on the final lap to secure her first world title, adding to her bronze medal from the 2021 World Championships in Budapest and an Olympic bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The race was marked by fierce competition and dramatic moments, particularly when Cherotich expertly navigated a hurdle that Yavi stumbled over during the final stretch. With a powerful kick, Cherotich surged ahead to cross the finish line in a remarkable 8 minutes and 51.59 seconds, setting a new championship record. This achievement is a testament to Cherotich’s growth as an athlete, having progressed from a bronze medalist to a world champion.
Cherotich credited her coach for instilling confidence in her, which enabled her to seize the moment and chase down her competitors. Her victory is a significant milestone in her career, and she expressed her joy after the race, stating, “I am so happy to win today. Improving from bronze to gold is amazing to me.” Olympic champion Winfred Yavi took home the silver, finishing in 8 minutes and 56.46 seconds, while Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew clinched bronze with a personal best of 8 minutes and 58.86 seconds.
The race was not without its challenges, as Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai, the Olympic gold medalist from the same venue in 2021, did not finish due to a fall near the end. Despite the humid conditions, the pace of the race was impressive, with fans speculating that Beatrice Chepkoech’s world record of 8:44.32 might have been at risk. The athletes’ performances were noteworthy, with thrilling moments including a fall involving Jeruto and Lemngole at the last water jump, allowing Almayew to make her move and secure her first senior global medal.
Cherotich’s victory marks a significant achievement for Kenyan athletics, and her performance is expected to inspire upcoming athletes. As the world championships continue, fans can expect more intense competition and dramatic moments. With her first world title, Cherotich has solidified her position as a leading athlete in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, and her future performances will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.