Diana Chepkemoi on why Ethiopians dominated in Kip Keino's 3000m Steeplechase

Kenyan athletes were forced to play catch-up in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the Kip Keino Classic after the Ethiopians delivered a commanding podium sweep.

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The first local athlete to cross the line was Diana Chepkemoi, who finished in fourth place.

Her time of 9:41:52 was not enough to hit the World Championships qualifying standard of 9:18.00 for the discipline.

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Well, not even the Ethiopians hit the qualifying time.

Ethiopia’s Firehiwot Gesese had initially taken charge of the race, leading confidently through the opening two laps.

Her tall frame and powerful strides made her look untouchable early on.

However, the tides shifted as Kenya’s Jackline Chepkoech surged forward, claiming the lead midway through the race.

Chepkemoi followed closely behind, pushing the pace as the Kenyan duo looked poised to upset the Ethiopian charge.

But the race took another dramatic turn as Gesese fought back to reclaim the lead.

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Her impressive cadence and long strides once again proved effective, helping her regain control.

Yet, just when it seemed like she might take it home, Gesese’s pace whittled, and she faded from the front.

Asefa, who had been running a calculated race, seized the opportunity.

Displaying great composure and stamina, the 17-year-old powered ahead in the final lap to secure victory in 9:31:68.

Her countrymate Kena Tufa followed in second in 9:31:72, while the early leader Gesese held on for third place in 9:32:09, ensuring a clean sweep for Ethiopia.

Speaking after the race, Chepkemoi admitted that it was not a walk in the park. She went on to note that the results exposed a worrying gap in speed and race sharpness for the Kenyans as compared to their Ethiopian counterparts.

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“The race was hard. What we lack is speed. We must be fast enough to match them,” she told Mozzart Sport.

Chepkemoi, who had shown promise in the earlier stages, admitted that she did not meet her expectations.

“I train hard under my coach’s watch and came into this race chasing a good time, but I did not achieve the intended time. I need to go and improve,” she disclosed.

The World Championships in Tokyo are drawing nearer, and for athletes like Chepkemoi, the pressure is mounting.

“I am working hard to qualify for the World Championships,” Chepkemoi said.

She draws motivation from her fellow youngster Faith Cherotich, who recently outclassed Paris Olympics gold medalist Yavi Winfred to clinch gold at the Doha Diamond League.

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For Chepkemoi, Cherotich’s performances serve as motivation for a new generation that now faces a wake-up call from their Ethiopian rivals.

“I’m inspired by the likes of Faith Cherotich, who is my good friend,” she offered.

With the 2025 Kip Keino Classic now history, Chepkemoi, who trains at the Lemotit Training Camp under coach Paul Kemei, will be looking to sharpen her claws to hit the World Championships qualifying time.