Faith Cherotich Outlines Her Strategy on How She Secured Steeplechase World Title

Faith Cherotich finally overcame her long-time rival, Kenyan-born Bahraini star Winfred Yavi, to capture her first-ever senior gold medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. Having fallen short in two previous major finals, Cherotich struck gold on her third attempt with a performance that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the Tokyo World Championships.

The 19-year-old Kenyan displayed maturity beyond her years, delivering a devastating late surge that left her competitors trailing. She crossed the finish line in 8:51.59, not only clinching victory but also setting a new Championship Record. Her decisive move came in the last 150 meters, where she unleashed her trademark finishing kick to dethrone the defending champion.

After the race, an emotional Cherotich admitted she almost surrendered when the pace intensified.
“Honestly, I nearly gave up,” she confessed. “But then I reminded myself,  if I’ve reached the final, I have to fight. I know I’m strong over the last barrier and usually finish well. I trusted myself, and it worked. I was so happy I didn’t even check the results before celebrating.”

From Bronze to Gold

Cherotich’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. She first announced herself on the senior stage by winning bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, before repeating the feat at the 2024 Olympics. In Tokyo, however, she finally converted her potential into gold.

“I’m so happy. This is my first time as a world champion,” she said with a beaming smile. “Previously, I had bronze, and now I have gold. My progress since stepping up to the senior level has been steady — from bronze to gold. I’m truly grateful for this moment and thank God for guiding me.”

Her triumph not only halted Yavi’s dominance but also marked the emergence of a new force in a discipline historically dominated by Kenyan-born athletes.

Drama on the Track

The race wasn’t without setbacks for others. Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai, the 2021 Olympic champion, stumbled and failed to finish after a painful fall. Cherotich later expressed her sympathy.

“I’m really sorry for those who went down,” she said. “The steeplechase is tough, anything can happen. I heard someone fall, but didn’t know who it was at the time. Later, I realized it was Peruth. I want to encourage her, because I know she’ll bounce back stronger.”

A New Era in Steeplechase

Facing seasoned rivals could have rattled a teenager, but Cherotich showed no fear. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” she explained. “But I told myself I can also be the best. Whoever I run against, I just have to fight for myself.”

With her fearless mindset, sharp race strategy, and unmatched finishing speed, Faith Cherotich’s victory may well be remembered as the moment that redefined the women’s steeplechase and signalled the rise of a new queen on the global stage.