Faith Cherotich Eyes World Record After Championship Triumph

Faith Cherotich won the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, setting a championship record of 8:51.59 and securing Kenya’s fourth gold medal, all claimed by female athletes.

The 21-year-old produced a strong final-lap surge to overtake defending champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain, who finished second in 8:56.46. Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew took bronze with a personal best of 8:58.86. Kenya’s Doris Lemngole placed fifth, just ahead of Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto, both originally from Kenya. Cherotich’s victory marks her first major gold medal after previous bronze finishes. 

“I almost gave up in the last lap,” she said after the race. “But I told myself I had come too far. I was still strong heading to the final water barrier, so I employed a strong kick to win.” 

She also stated that she now feels ready to pursue the world record of 8:44.32, set by compatriot Beatrice Chepkoech. The win adds to a successful run for Kenyan women in Tokyo. Beatrice Chebet opened the medal count with a win in the 10,000 metres, followed by Peres Jepchirchir’s marathon gold. Faith Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic champion, secured gold in the 1,500 metres.

In the men’s events, Reynold Cheruiyot claimed bronze in the 1,500 metres, clocking 3:34.21. Portugal’s Isaac Nader won in 3:34.10, narrowly beating Britain’s Jake Wightman, who took silver in 3:34.12.

Kenya’s Julius Yego qualified for the men’s javelin final with a season-best throw of 85.96 metres. He will face strong competition from Grenada’s Anderson Peters (89.53m), Germany’s Julian Weber (87.21m), and Poland’s David Wagner (85.67m).

Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai, the 2020 Olympic steeplechase champion, fell during her race and was taken to the hospital. Winfred Yavi declined to speak to the media following her silver-medal finish.

Kenya’s women are expected to continue their medal pursuit in the 5,000 metres, with semi-final heats set to take place later today.