Kenya’s rising star Faith Cherotich stormed to victory in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, dethroning defending champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain with a brilliant final lap performance.
At just 21, Cherotich celebrated her first world title, adding it to the bronze she won at the Budapest Worlds two years ago and the Olympic bronze she secured in Paris last year.
The race was filled with intensity and drama, as Cherotich maintained composure while Yavi faltered over a hurdle in the closing stretch. With a decisive burst of speed, she cleared the final water jump and surged to the finish in a record breaking 8 minutes 51.59 seconds, setting a new championship best.
Overjoyed with her achievement, Cherotich said: “I am so happy to win today. Improving from bronze to gold is amazing to me.” She praised her coach for instilling belief and encouraging her to push beyond her limits.
Olympic champion Winfred Yavi settled for silver in 8 minutes 56.46 seconds, while Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew ran a personal best of 8 minutes 58.86 seconds to claim bronze. Reflecting on her performance, Yavi admitted: “I was challenged today, but I hope to reclaim the world title in the future.”
