NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 19 – At the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Kenya’s Faith Cherotich claimed her first ever senior World Championship title, taking gold in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase in a dramatic finish. The 21‑year‑old credits two of Kenya’s distance running icons, Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon, as key inspirations who pushed her to believe she could win.
How Chebet and Kipyegon inspired Cherotich
Words of encouragement before the race
Cherotich says both mentors told her she had a strong finish, particularly over the last 400 metres. When the bell lap came and she was close behind Winfred Yavi, she drew on their belief: “If Faith and Beatrice believed in me that much, I couldn’t let them down.”
Motivation from seeing them win
She was especially motivated by Chebet and Kipyegon already having won gold medals at these championships. That made her believe, “even me, I can do this.” Beatrice, she says, told her: “this is my year and I can do it as long as I believe in myself.” Faith Kipyegon gave her tactical advice on managing the race.
Race strategy and belief
Cherotich said she has confidence in her kick—a strength she usually shows after the last water barrier. In the race, after clearing that barrier and going ahead, she sensed her chance and surged, confident that the gold was hers.
The moment of victory
Cherotich overtook the reigning world champion and Olympic gold medallist, Winfred Yavi, on the final lap. The closing stages were dramatic: Yavi stumbled over a hurdle down the back straight, and Cherotich cleared the last water jump with strength, then unleashed her finishing kick to cross first.
She set a championship record time of 8:51.59, despite humid conditions, nearly five seconds ahead of Yavi.
Why this win matters
This gold upgrades Cherotich’s past achievements: she had previously won bronze at the 2023 Worlds (Budapest) and bronze at the Olympics.
It also marks Kenya’s fourth gold at these championships, further bolstering the country’s standing in distance running.
For Cherotich personally, the win is a validation of her belief, her training, and the encouragement she got from her mentors. She said she wanted to feel what others feel when they win gold, and now she does.
Faith Cherotich’s victory is a story of not just physical strength or speed, but mental belief, inspiration, mentorship, and seizing the moment. If you like, I can also send you more quotes from her or from Beatrice Chebet / Faith Kipyegon about mentorship and rivalry.
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