Olympic bronze medallist, Faith Cherotich produced a commanding performance to win the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Diamond League meeting in Oslo, clocking a meeting record of 9:02.60.
The 20-year-old kenyan controlled the race from the front, confidently dictating the pace while fending off stiff pressure from Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi. The two Olympic and Diamond League champions, fresh off a tight battle in Doha, delivered yet another electrifying contest on the Bislett Stadium track.
Final Results
- Faith Cherotich (KEN) – 9:02.60 (MR, WL)
- Winfred Yavi (BRN) – 9:02.76 (SB)
- Marwa Bouzayani (TUN) – 9:06.84 (SB)
- Lea Meyer (GER) – 9:09.21 (PB)
- Lomi Muleta (ETH) – 9:13.44 (SB)
- Courtney Wayment (USA) – 9:13.65 (SB)
- Elise Thorner (GBR) – 9:15.06 (PB)
- Gabrielle Jennings (USA) – 9:20.85 (SB)
- Valerie Constien (USA) – 9:32.87 (SB)
- Jackline Chepkoech (KEN) – 9:36.87
- Olivia Markezich (USA) – 9:36.92
That was Cherotich’s fourth win in 12 head-to-heads against Yavi and second in this season after the youngster also got one up on the Kenyan-born Bahraini, to win the Diamond League Trophy last season in Brussels.
Cherotich, who first caught the world’s attention with a bronze medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships had earlier noted tha the bronze boosted her confidence on the global stage.
“When I won my medal in Paris, it helped me a lot in my life and helped me to focus on training and competing even more,” she stated.
In Paris, Cherotich clocked 8:55.15 to claim bronze behind Yavi (8:52.76) and Chemutai (8:53.34). The two are set to meet again renewing their thrilling rivalry when they line up for the Prefontaine Classic on July 5 in Eugene, Oregon.
Meanwhile, Elise Thorner`s finish in the seventh position with a personal best of 9:15.06, moved her to second place on the British all-time list for the event.