Kenya’s Faith Cherotich underlined her rising stature in the women’s 3000m steeplechase as she upstaged world and Olympic champion Winfred Yavi to claim gold at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old Cherotich, already a two-time Diamond League champion (2024, 2025) and a world and Olympic bronze medallist, timed her challenge perfectly. After tracking Yavi through much of the race, she unleashed a decisive kick in the final 400 metres and crossed the line in 8:51.59. With this time, she not only won her first senior world title but also broke the championship record by more than a second.

Cherotich’s rise has been remarkable. At 17, she earned bronze at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, before upgrading to gold at the 2022 edition in Cali. That early success hinted at her potential, which has now fully materialised on the senior stage.

"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.”

Bahrain’s Yavi battled hard to defend her title but had to settle 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.

Ishita Agarwal for World Athletics
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