Faith Cherotich clocked a championship record to win gold in Tokyo. Photo: Imago

Cherotich finally beat Yavi at the third time of asking in a major championship 3000 meter steeplechase final to clinch her ever senior gold medal.

In one of the standout moments of the Tokyo World Championships, Faith Cherotich produced a devastating final surge to dethrone reigning champion Winfred Yavi and claim her first senior world title in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. 

The 19-year-old Kenyan crossed the line in 8:51.59, a Championship Record, after a breathtaking last 150 meters that left her rivals stunned.

Speaking moments after the finish, she admitted she almost considered giving up when the pace took its toll.

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“Honestly, I almost gave up,” she revealed to the media afterwards. “But I told myself, if I’ve reached the final, why not fight? I knew I’m strong at the last barrier, and I usually have a good kick. I believed in myself, and it worked. I was so happy I didn’t even look at the result before celebrating.”

Cherotich’s rise has been rapid. A world bronze medalist at her senior debut at the 2023 edition in Budapest, she also won yet another bronze medal in the same event at the Olympics a year later, but now has finally climbed to the top of the podium.

 “I’m so happy. It’s my first time being a world champion. Last time, I was a bronze medalist, and now I have gold. My progress has been good since I joined the senior level — from bronze to gold. What an amazing moment. I thank God for this,” she said, still glowing from her breakthrough.

The teenager’s performance not only ended Yavi’s dominance but also signaled the arrival of a new generation in an event long ruled by Kenyan-born stars.

The race was not without drama. Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai stumbled and fell and failed to finish, which was unfortunate for the former Olympic Champion.

 Cherotich expressed sympathy: “I’m really sorry for those who fell. The race is always like that — there are challenges, but you have to believe and keep going. When we were running, I heard someone fall, but I didn’t know who it was. Later, I realized it was Peru. I’m telling her sorry, and I believe next time will be better.”

Facing seasoned rivals such as Yavi and Olympic medalists could have been intimidating, but Cherotich’s mindset was unwavering. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I told myself I could also be the best. No matter who I’m racing with, I have to fight for myself,” she explained.

With her fearless approach and tactical brilliance, Faith Cherotich’s stunning victory may be remembered as the race that reshaped the steeplechase hierarchy — and marked the dawn of a new champion.