A new athletics star has arrived! 

Faith Cherotich, a 21-year-old from Kenya, put on a sensational show to win the women’s 3000 m steeplechase world title in Tokyo. 

She didn’t just win; she set a new Championship Record of 8:51.59, shattering the old mark. 

This victory is huge for Kenya, as it brings the country’s dominance back to an event where they hadn’t won gold in six years. 

Cherotich, nicknamed “Kadogo” (small one) early in her career, used a powerful, well-timed final kick to leave the defending champion, Winfred Yavi, behind. 

After surviving a serious car accident in 2023, her resilience and guidance from mentor Faith Kipyegon have powered her inspiring journey from a junior champion to the top of the senior world stage. 

Her next big goal? To challenge the world record and secure Kenya’s first-ever Olympic gold in the event at LA 2028.

The final at Tokyo’s National Stadium was a fierce battle featuring Olympic and world medalists.

After a tight race, the lead came down to Cherotich and the defending champion, Winfred Yavi of Bahrain. 

As the bell rang for the final 400 meters, Cherotich executed her plan perfectly, pulling away from Yavi, who stumbled slightly on the penultimate hurdle. 

The young Kenyan flew over the final water jump and sprinted through the finish line, securing the gold medal nearly five seconds ahead of the field.

Bahrain’s Yavi, the Olympic and former world champion, took the silver medal in 8:56.46, while Sembo Almayew of Ethiopia ran a personal best of 8:58.86 to claim the bronze. 

Kenya’s other finalist, Doris Lemngole, finished fifth with a time of 9:02.39. 

Post-race, Cherotich credited her victory to patience and timing: “I knew I had to stay patient and save my energy for the end—that’s where races like this are won.” 

Her dominant performance now stands as the fastest steeplechase time ever recorded at a World Championships.

Faith Cherotich’s journey is one of rapid ascent. 

Born in Kericho County, Kenya, on July 13, 2004, she was once nicknamed “Kadogo” (small one) by her teammates due to her youth. 

She began her career under the guidance of coaches Piet de Peuter and Bernard Rono. 

She quickly established herself on the junior circuit, winning bronze at the 2021 World U20 Championships in Nairobi and upgrading to gold in Cali in 2022.

Despite a major car accident in 2023 that nearly sidelined her career, she showed incredible resilience by winning bronze at the Budapest World Championships weeks later and another bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

This year, 2025, has been her breakthrough, including her remarkable season best of 8:48.71 (ranking her fourth on the all-time list) and sweeping the Diamond League circuit. 

Cherotich often speaks about the inspiration she draws from world record holder Faith Kipyegon, who mentors her to remain focused and humble, proving that natural talent, resilience, and strong mentorship are a powerful mix for global success.

Cherotich’s gold medal is a crucial win for Kenya, bringing the women’s steeplechase world title back to the nation after a six-year wait following Beatrice Chepkoech’s win in 2019. 

This event is a cornerstone of Kenya’s athletics history, with the country having secured 12 of 30 medals awarded at the World Championships since the event was introduced.

Her victory is seen as a sign of renewed dominance in middle-distance running, and it has been met with national celebration. 

Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was among many who praised the young star, stating, “Your fighting spirit reflects our nation’s resilience and determination.” 

Cherotich has already set her sights on challenging Chepkoech’s long-standing world record of 8:44.32 and hopes to bring home the women’s steeplechase gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a title Kenya has yet to win since the event’s Olympic debut in 2008.