Kenya’s rising star Faith Cherotich is set for a thrilling battle in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after storming through the heats with confidence and control.
Cherotich looked comfortable in her opening race, winning Heat 1 with an impressive time of 9:13.95. She crossed the line ahead of former Kenyan Norah Jeruto, now competing for Kazakhstan, while Britain’s Elise Thorner sealed third place. France’s Flavie Renouard and American Lexy Halladay also booked their places in the final.
The second heat was won by defending champion Winfred Yavi, who clocked 9:15.63. She was followed closely by Tunisian Marwa Bouzayani and Ethiopia’s Samba Elmayew, with Germany’s Gesa Krause and American Angelina Napoleon also progressing.
In Heat 3, Uganda’s Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai reminded the world of her class, powering home in a time of 9:07.68. She edged out Kenya’s Doris Lemngole in second place, with Ethiopia’s Lomi Muleta third. German Lea Meya and Kaylee Mitchell of the United States completed the list of qualifiers from the heat.
With the heats concluded, the spotlight now shifts to what promises to be an epic steeplechase final on Wednesday, September 17. All eyes will be on the trio of Cherotich, Yavi, and Chemutai—widely regarded as the leading contenders for the podium.
The three have a history of going head-to-head on the biggest stages. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Yavi clinched the gold medal, Chemutai secured silver, and Cherotich earned bronze. However, the Kenyan has shown remarkable form throughout 2025, suggesting she is ready to challenge for her first world title.
Cherotich’s strength lies in her strong finishing kick and ability to maintain a steady rhythm under pressure. She has grown in confidence and maturity since her Olympic bronze and appears ready to turn the tables on Yavi, who remains the defending world champion. Chemutai, meanwhile, brings invaluable experience as a former Olympic gold medalist and will not be overlooked.
The stage is perfectly set for a classic showdown. Whether it becomes a changing of the guard or a reaffirmation of dominance, the women’s 3,000m steeplechase final in Tokyo is shaping up as one of the most anticipated races of the championships.
