Youngster Faith Cherotich looking to carry over last year's success to 2025
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 07.01.25. | 16:33
Reflecting on the year, Cherotich noted that hard work and discipline were her secrets to success
Faith Cherotich might come across as a shy and reserved young lady, but when it comes to her ambitions, there is nothing timid about her approach.
The youngster had a fruitful 2024 that saw her win a Diamond League trophy and make her Olympics debut. Cherotich clinched her first-ever Diamond League victory when she clocked 9:02.36 in Brussels to win the women's steeplechase.
Her debut at the Olympics was equally impressive as she won bronze in a personal best time of 8:55:15.
Reflecting on the year, Cherotich noted that hard work and discipline were her secrets to success.
“Last year was great for me, and all this was due to hard work and following instructions from my coach, who has been a blessing to me,” she told Nation Sports.
With the medals now safely in her cabinet, Cherotich is far from resting on her laurels.
The rising steeplechase star has already begun her training, keen to replicate and perhaps surpass last year's stellar performances. She trains at the Kalyet Athletics Training Camp in Londiani in Kericho County under coach Benard Rono.
“There is no rest. I have already started working for the 2025 season, which I believe will also be a good one in my career,” she continued.
Her main goal? To win Kenya’s maiden Olympics gold in the women’s steeplechase.
Kenya is still chasing her first gold medal in the women’s steeplechase since the event debuted at the Olympics in 2008. Eunice Jepkorir took silver in Beijing, Milcah Chemos secured bronze in London in 2012.
Hyvin Kiyeng added a silver in Rio 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2020, while Beatrice Chepkoech remains the world record holder with an impressive 8:44.32, set in Monaco in 2018.
“I already have a goal, and that is to bring the Olympics title home. That is achievable with hard work combined with discipline,” Cherotich offered.
Coach Rono is also not doubting his protégé’s potential. He believes she has all it takes to achieve her dreams.
"I saw her potential early. Her Olympic bronze was unexpected but well-deserved. She's growing steadily and inspiring other young athletes.
Indeed, Cherotich had a good season, and it was something we had planned for because I wanted her to gain experience at the Olympics.
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I didn't expect her to finish on the podium, but I'm glad she managed to win a bronze medal," Rono said.
Cherotich's journey has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. In 2023, she overcame a near-fatal road accident along the Eldoret-Timboroa road that threatened to disrupt her preparations for the World Athletics Championships.
Despite sustaining minor injuries, she bounced back in time to secure third place at the trials and went on to win a bronze medal at the Budapest Games.
Her rise to prominence began in 2021 when she claimed bronze at the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi.
A year later, she struck gold at the same event in Cali, Colombia, signalling her readiness for the senior stage.
In her debut season as a senior athlete, Cherotich delivered a standout performance with a third-place finish at the Rome Diamond League, further boosting her confidence and proving her resilience.
