Kenya’s Faith Cherotich produced a breathtaking late surge to win the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, storming home in a Championship Record time of 5:51.59.
The 19-year-old, popularly known as Kadogo in Kenyan athletics circles, timed her finish to perfection, unleashing a powerful kick after the final barrier to overtake Kenyan-born Bahraini Winfred Yavi, who had led for much of the race.
Yavi settled for silver, unable to withstand Cherotich’s explosive finishing pace, while the victory handed Kenya its fourth gold medal of the championships.
The triumph marked Cherotich’s first senior world title, confirming her status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
“This is just the beginning,” Cherotich said after her victory. “I wanted to stay patient, stay strong, and I knew if I had something left after the last hurdle, I could win. I’m so proud to bring this medal home to Kenya.”
Her time not only set a new championship record but also reinforced Kenya’s enduring dominance in the steeplechase, an event that has long defined the nation’s athletics legacy.
With her Tokyo breakthrough, Cherotich joins a distinguished line of Kenyan champions and signals the arrival of a new era in women’s distance running.