Faith Cherotich smashes championship record to win women's 3,000m steeplechase gold at 2025 Tokyo World Championships
Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot also secured bronze in the men’s 1500m final.
Kenya’s Faith Cherotich stormed to gold in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, clocking a championship record of 8:51.59 to reclaim the crown for her nation after six years.
The 21-year-old displayed a tactical masterclass in a chaotic race that saw Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda fall early and defending world champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain stumble over the final water jump.
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Cherotich held her composure and surged clear on the last lap to deliver Kenya’s first steeplechase world title since 2019.
Yavi, who led for much of the race, held on for silver in 8:56.46, collecting her third straight world medal in the event.
Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew came from behind in the final 200 metres to snatch bronze in a personal-best 8:58.86 after capitalising on mistakes by Kenya’s Doris Lemngole and Norah Jeruto at the last barrier.
Cherotich’s victory extended Kenya’s rich steeplechase tradition and marked a breakthrough on the global stage after her junior success.
Elsewhere, Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot secured bronze in the men’s 1500m final.
In a dramatic finish, Portugal’s Isaac Nader produced a blistering final 200 metres to win in 3:34.10, narrowly edging Great Britain’s Jake Wightman, who returned to the podium after three years away with silver in 3:34.12. Reynold clocked 3:34.25 for third, while his compatriot and former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot placed fourth.
In the field, Kenya’s 2015 world champion Julius Yego qualified for the men’s javelin final after throwing a season-best 85.96 metres. The veteran will contest Thursday’s medal showdown as he seeks a return to the podium.
Day Five in Tokyo proved Kenya’s most productive yet, highlighted by Cherotich’s golden run and two additional podium finishes that underlined the country’s enduring strength in middle and long-distance disciplines.
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