Unbwogable Faith Cherotich Retains Diamond League Steeplechase Crown In Zurich

Olympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich on Thursday retained her 3,000m steeplechase crown at the Diamond League Final in Zurich, powering home in a commanding 8:57.24.

The 21-year-old Kenyan stamped her authority on the field, defeating 2022 world champion Norah Jeruto of Kazakhstan and Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani.

Cherotich’s victory means she has now won back-to-back Diamond League titles, building on her breakthrough in Brussels last year when she stunned Olympic champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain and Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai.

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With both Yavi and Chemutai absent this time, the door was open, and Cherotich seized the opportunity with a performance full of composure and strength.

Her coach Bernard Rono said the Zurich race was part of a larger plan geared toward next month’s World Championships in Tokyo.

“We’ve been in training with full focus on the World Championships in Tokyo. All eyes are now on Faith, especially with Yavi and Chemutai missing here,” said Rono as per Citizen Digital.

Rono praised his athlete’s discipline and the broader support structure behind her progress. “She is disciplined and mentally tough, and we respect every competitor. Zurich is part of the bigger plan, and we are hopeful for the best,” he added.

Rono, who oversees a growing group of young athletes at Kalyet Training Camp and the Kalyet Global Sports Communication Camp in Kipkelion, Kericho County, said Zurich was an essential test.

“I want to thank Athletics Kenya, and I also appreciate the efforts of all Team Kenya coaches in keeping our athletes sharp. We are looking forward to a strong outing in Tokyo, and I wish all our athletes the best.”

In Zurich, Cherotich had to fend off Jeruto, who pushed hard in the early laps, and Bouzayani, who ran aggressively before fading.

The American pair of Courtney Wayment and Gabrielle Jennings also gave chase, but Cherotich was in total control, showing maturity beyond her years.

This victory capped an impressive Diamond League season for Cherotich, who had already taken wins in Doha, Oslo, and Paris.

Her only major defeat came at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, where Yavi triumphed in 8:45.25 with Cherotich finishing second in 8:48.71.

That race set the stage for what promises to be a fiery showdown at the World Championships.