Kenya's Cherotich unleashes sprint to break world 3,000m Steeplechase record
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) – Kenya’s Faith Cherotich, powered to a crystal finish at the World Championships, setting a new world record in the 3,000 metres steeplechase on 8:51:59, to strike Gold, upstaging the Olympic champion, the Kenyan-born Winfred Yavi on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Olympic Games Steeplechase Bronze medalist pulled a surprise at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, to stamp her authority on the track.
Cherotich, a two-time Diamond League champion (2024, 2025), sprinted to the finish line, setting a new world record, according to the World Athletics website.
Cherotich won her first senior world title and broke the championship record by more than a second.
At 17, she earned bronze at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, before upgrading to gold at the 2022 edition in Cali.
"I am so happy to win today," said Cherotich. "Improving from bronze to gold is amazing to me. I didn’t know how it would go at the start, but I was ready. In the last 400m, I said, ‘This is my moment.’ My coach reminded me, ‘Faith, you can do it.’ I believed in myself and it paid off,” the World Athletics website quoted her as saying.
Bahrain’s Yavi attempted her title defence before settling for silver in 8:56.46.
“Of course, the goal was to win, but I am grateful for this silver,” Yavi said. “In the last 200 metres, I was still strong, but I couldn’t hold the speed. My coach and family’s support kept me focused. I am still young, and I know there are more titles ahead.”
Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew showcased her own emerging talent by securing bronze in a personal best of 8:58.86. The 20-year-old has been steadily improving this season, building on her performances in European meets and training camps.
“My legs were hurting, it was not easy to grab this medal,” she admitted. “After Paris, I didn’t change my training, but I pushed myself harder this summer and came prepared for Tokyo.”
Tunisia’s 26-year-old Marwa Bouzayani put on a memorable performance, finishing fourth in 9:01.46 to smash her own national record.
Kenya’s 22-year-old Doris Lemngole, fifth in 9:02.39, continued her consistent rise, having earned medals at several international age-group championships.
The 2022 world champion, Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto, clocked 9:06.34 to take sixth, battling back from a minor hamstring strain earlier this season.
-0- PANA AO/RA 17Sept2025
