Kenya bags fourth gold in World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as Cherotich wins 3000 meters
For much of the race, Cherotich trailed closely behind Yavi, biding her time before unleashing a powerful kick in the final lap to seize the title
Kenya is celebrating its fourth medal at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, after Faith Cherotich stormed to victory in the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase final today.
The 20-year-old produced a stunning late surge to dethrone reigning Olympic champion Winfred Yavi, the Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete, in a dramatic finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Cherotich clocked 8:51.69, smashing the championship record and writing her name into history.
For much of the race, Cherotich trailed closely behind Yavi, biding her time before unleashing a powerful kick in the final lap to seize the title.
Her performance underlined her growing dominance in the discipline, having also outpaced Yavi in earlier races this season.
Fondly nicknamed “Last Born” by fans for her youthful look and diminutive frame, Cherotich continues to show maturity beyond her years.
Just last year in Budapest, she became the youngest athlete to reach the podium when she claimed bronze.
This time in Tokyo, she stepped onto the highest stage, erasing the previous championship record of 8:53.02 set by Bahrain’s Norah Jeruto in Eugene in 2022.
Yavi, widely considered the pre-race favorite and defending Olympic champion, was forced to settle for silver after clocking 8:56.46.
Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew completed the podium in third with 8:58.86.
Cherotich’s triumph is a major boost for Kenya’s medal tally and a timely reminder of the nation’s rich depth in distance running.
Her record-breaking performance not only cements her status as one of the brightest rising stars in athletics but also fuels Kenya’s hopes of reclaiming steeplechase dominance on the global stage.
