TOKYO, Japan, Sept 17 – Faith ‘last born’ Cherotich finally earned a world title status since transitioning to senior after running a tactful race to win the 3000m women’s steeplechase final in Tokyo and hand Kenya a fourth gold.
Cherotich, 21, clocked a championship record of 8:51.59, beating defending champion Kenyan-born Winfred Yavi, who runs for Bahrain (8:56.46), while Ethiopian Sembo Almayew settled for bronze in a personal record of 8:58.86.
The win ensured that Kenya reclaimed the world title last won by world record holder Beatrice Chebet in Doha in 2019.
Cherotich has been in fine form since winning bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, going on to win two Diamond League trophies.
It was a sweet victory for the Kenyan youngster who had bagged bronze in her maiden World Championships appearance in Eugene, Oregon, in 2022.
With the championship reaching the midway, Kenya hangs in second on the medal table with a total of 7 medals; 4 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze.
The United States of America sits at the summit with 10 medals: 7 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze, while Canada closes the top three in the standings with 3 medals, all being Gold.
