Olympic Bronze medallist Faith Cherotich produced a stunning performance of her life to dethrone world and Olympic champion Winfred Yavi in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Wednesday (17).
The 21-year-old, who previously secured bronze at the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 Olympics, delivered a masterclass in patience and timing. After trailing Yavi for much of the race, Cherotich unleashed a devastating kick with half a lap to go, soaring over the final water jump and surging ahead to secure gold.
Full Results
- Faith CHEROTICH (KEN) – 8:51.59 CR
- Winfred YAVI (BRN) – 8:56.46
- Sembo ALMAYEW (ETH) – 8:58.86 PB
- Marwa BOUZAYANI (TUN) – 9:01.46 NR
- Doris LEMNGOLE (KEN) – 9:02.39
- Norah JERUTO (KAZ) – 9:06.34
- Gesa Felicitas KRAUSE (GER) – 9:14.27 SB
- Lomi MULETA (ETH) – 9:14.90
- Angelina NAPOLEON (USA) – 9:17.44
- Kaylee MITCHELL (USA) – 9:18.66
- Elise THORNER (GBR) – 9:19.02
- Lea MEYER (GER) – 9:24.42
- Flavie RENOUARD (FRA) – 9:25.15
- Lexy HALLADAY (USA) – 9:34.03
Peruth CHEMUTAI (UGA) – DNF
Cherotich stopped the clock at a championship record of 8:51.59, nearly five seconds ahead of Yavi, who claimed silver in 8:56.46. Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew completed the podium, taking bronze in a personal best of 8:58.86.
The race was filled with drama as Uganda’s Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai stumbled and failed to finish, leaving the door open for others. Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani seized the moment with a lifetime-best performance, smashing the national record with 9:01.46 to finish fourth.
With this victory, Cherotich cemented her status as Kenya’s new steeplechase queen and one of the brightest young stars in global athletics.
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