Faith Kipyegon wins Kenya's third gold in Tokyo
Dorcus Ewoi won silver in a personal best of 3:54.92.
5d agoEMMANUEL WANJALANews
Faith CherotichOlympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich produced a stunning late surge to win the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, setting a Championship Record of 8:51.59.
The 21-year-old, affectionately known as Kadogo in Kenyan athletics circles, unleashed a powerful kick with half a lap to go, soaring over the final water jump before powering into the lead.
She then sprinted clear after the last hurdle to snatch victory from Kenyan-born Bahraini Winfred Yavi, who had dictated the pace for much of the race, and claim her first senior world title.
Cherotich had previously settled for bronze at both the last World Championships and the 2024 Olympics, but this time her finishing strength proved irresistible.
Yavi, who went in the race with a season's best of 8:45.25, took silver in 8:56.46, while Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew claimed bronze in a personal best of 8:58.86.
Another Kenyan, Doris Lemngole, placed fifth in 9:02.39 after stumbling at the final water jump.
The victory delivered Kenya’s fourth gold medal of the championships and cemented Cherotich’s status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Her time was not only the fastest ever recorded at the World Championships but also a statement of her growing dominance in an event long synonymous with Kenyan success.
With her Tokyo triumph, Cherotich is now officially a world champion—a landmark achievement that marks a turning point in her young career and adds to Kenya’s proud legacy in middle- and long-distance running.
She holds a season’s best of 8:48.71.
Her performance drew praise back home, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen hailing her resilience and contribution to national pride.
“Big congratulations to Faith Cherotich on her incredible triumph in Tokyo in the 3000m steeplechase, delivering Kenya’s fourth gold at the World Athletics Championships,” he said.
“Your fighting spirit reflects our nation’s resilience and determination, and we could not be prouder of your achievement. Hongera sana.”
