Budapest23: Teenage sensation Cherotich ready to bravely take on senior challenge

World Under-20 3000m steeplechase reigning champion Faith Cherotich, who has since graduated to the senior level despite being just 18 (turning 19 on 13 July 2023) is eyeing a medal in Budapest.

Cherotich booked her place in Team Kenya to this year's World Championships set for Budapest, Hungary next month after clocking 9:25.06 for third place during last weekend's trials.

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The 9:06.14 runner, a personal best (PB) time achieved last year in Zurich will represent the country alongside World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and Commonwealth Games champion Jackline Chepkoech. 

Making her debut at the senior global championship, Cherotich maintains that she will be battle ready and is targeting the podium 

"I was just coming off an injury that I sustained three weeks to the trials but I decided to brace through it and try my luck for a place in Team Kenya and I am happy it paid off. 

The trials race gives me the green light to go hard in training in the remaining days before we head to competition," the 18-year-old who won bronze in the 2021 World Under-20 championship held in Nairobi, said. 

The Kenyan trio will be looking to reclaim the title won by Kenyan-born Kazakhstani Norah Jeruto in the 2022 championship held in Oregon.

Beatrice won the title in 2019 in Doha, reclaiming it after Emma Coburn had denied 2015 champion Hyvin Kiyeng in 2017 in London. Kiyeng finished third in London behind Coburn and compatriot Courtney Frenchs.  

"Winning gold at the Junior level last year was great motivation. The dominant manner in which I did it also gave me the courage to move to the senior level and I am loving it. I have been to the Diamond League series and I know what to expect in Budapest. 

As we head to the championship, the target will be making it to the podium. I am well aware that I will be up against experienced runners but I am confident in the team that Kenya selected. We can work for each other to deliver," the world cross country silver medalist offered. 

As of today, the season's top list is headlined by World Under-20 silver medalist, Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew who clocked 9:00.71 on 2 June to win the Florence Diamond League. Jackline's 9:04.07, from finishing second in the same race puts her second. Beatrice and Cherotich are fifth and sixth on the list respectively.