Faith Cherotich Finally Obliterates Winfred Yavi to Clinch 3000m Steeplechase Gold in Tokyo

Faith Cherotich outpaced Winfred Yavi right after the final pool hurdle to storm to victory in the 3000m steeplechase, setting a new championship record in the process.

Kenya’s Faith Cherotich delivered the race of her life at the Tokyo Diamond League, storming to victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase with a Championship Record (CR) of 8:51.59.

 The 20-year-old’s blistering performance not only dismantled the field but also signaled a generational shift in one of athletics’ most grueling events.

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A Battle For the Ages

Cherotich’s fearless approach became evident early on as she tried to keep up pace with Winfred Yavi, who was setting the pace from early on, alongside Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai, who unfortunately tripped and fell, ending her hopes and withdrawing in the process.

By the bell lap Cherotich was keeping close tabs on Yavi, and chased her down up until the penultimate hurdle, and which point she executed an outstanding kick to outpace her fellow Kenyan-born compatriot.

Yavi, a four-time global medalist and the defending champion, had to settle for silver in 8:56.46 — a strong time, but nearly five seconds behind the Kenyan.

Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew also produced a breakthrough, clocking a personal best of 8:58.86 to claim bronze and confirm her rise into the world’s elite.

More Records Set

Tunisia's Marwa Bouzayani smashed her country’s national record with 9:01.46, finishing fourth in what was the best performance of her career.

Germany’s Gesa Felicitas Krause, twice a world bronze medalist, showed resilience with a Season Best of 9:14.27 in seventh, while Ethiopia’s Lomi Muleta followed closely in eighth at 9:14.90.

Kenya’s depth was on display with Doris Lemngole (5th, 9:02.39) and Norah Jeruto (6th, 9:06.34), though both had hoped for podium spots. For the United States, the meet proved tough: Angelina Napoleon (9th, 9:17.44), Kaylee Mitchell (10th, 9:18.66), and Lexy Halladay (14th, 9:34.03) all fell short of contention.

One of the biggest disappointments came from  Chemutai (Uganda), the 2021 Olympic champion, who did not finish the race after pulling out midway with discomfort following her unfortunate fall.

Cherotich’s emphatic win marks a changing of the guard. With the Olympic season looming, she has announced herself as the athlete to beat for 2026. 

Yavi remains a formidable rival, and with Almayew and Bouzayani emerging as podium threats, the women’s steeplechase is entering a thrilling new era.