Faith Cherotich revels in steeplechase glory

“I am very happy, and I feel very great. This is my first time as a World Champion. From bronze to gold; what an improvement,” an elated Faith Cherotich said after storming to victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, 17 September.

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The 21-year-old produced a trademark late surge, clocking 8:51.59 to reclaim Kenya’s dominance in the event and end a six-year drought for the nation.

Her triumph elevated her into elite company, becoming only the fourth Kenyan woman to win the steeplechase world crown, after Milcah Chemos (2013), Hyvin Kiyeng (2015), and Beatrice Chepkoech (2019).

Cherotich announced her arrival on the global stage with a bronze medal at the 2023 championships in Budapest.

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If her Diamond League performances this year were anything to go by, one could easily predict that she was on her way to winning gold. She described her journey as one of steady progress.

“During my first time at the World Championships, I was a bronze medalist. I am very happy because my progress has been good since I joined the senior category. I thank God,” she continued.

The race itself was anything but straightforward. At one point, Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai fell, while Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, the defending world and Olympic champion, pushed the pace. Cherotich admitted there was a moment she almost faltered, but dug deep for her finishing kick.

“I almost gave up, but I told myself that if I reached the final, I could maintain the pace. I also realized that I was strong on the last barrier, especially the water jump, and I believe in myself for that,” she explained.

The gold also marked the third time this season that Cherotich has outkicked Yavi, having previously beaten her at the Doha and Oslo Diamond League meets.

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On Yavi’s challenge, she noted that she did not expect an easy challenge.

“I knew the race was not going to be easy because there was a World Champion and Olympic Champion there, but I told myself that I could do it and I had to fight,” she said.

For Kenya, whose last world title in the event came from Chepkoech and Conseslus Kipruto in Doha 2019, Cherotich’s triumph was another reminder of its proud steeplechase tradition.

Cherotich closed her reflections by thanking her fans from all over the world.

“To my fans, thank you for the support and prayers. I thank them so much. I have done the best for us wherever they are,” she concluded.