Oslo Diamond League: Faith Cherotich Shows Winfred Yavi Who is the Boss Again As She Dominates 3000m Steeplechase

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Oslo Diamond League: Faith Cherotich Shows Winfred Yavi Who is the Boss Again As She Dominates 3000m Steeplechase

Mark Kinyanjui 22:30 - 12.06.2025

Cherotich and Yavi went toe to toe in the last 100 meters, but the Olympic bronze medalist refused to be beaten by the reigning champion for the second Diamond League 3000mSC event in a row.

Kenya’s Faith Cherotich delivered a commanding performance in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Oslo Diamond League, clocking a world-leading time of 9:02.60 to edge out Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi in a gripping head-to-head finish.

Cherotich, still just 20 years old, surged past Yavi in the final lap, showcasing her trademark finishing strength and tactical patience. The victory not only secured her a maximum 16 Diamond League points but also reaffirmed her dominance in the event, having now beaten Yavi in back-to-back meetings.

Yavi, the reigning world champion, finished second in 9:02.76, just 0.16 seconds behind Cherotich, despite entering the race with the season’s best and a personal best of 8:44.39 — the fastest in the field.

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Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani claimed third with a season best of 9:06.84, ahead of Germany’s Lea Meyer who recorded a personal best of 9:09.21.

USA had strong representation, with four athletes in the top 10, led by Wayment and Thorner, while former world record holder Jackline Chepkoech of Kenya struggled, finishing 10th in 9:30.49, well outside her best form.

Three athletes — Gesa Krause (GER), Kinga Królik (POL), and Flavie Renouard (FRA) — did not finish the race.

Cherotich’s Statement Win

Cherotich's time of 9:02.60 now stands as the world-leading mark and a meeting record in Oslo, reinforcing her status as one of the favorites heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics. With consistent sub-9:05 performances and an improving tactical acumen, her rivalry with Yavi continues to be one of the most captivating in women’s distance running.

More to follow...

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