Cherotich: The Journey Has Just Begun

Faith Cherotich won the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase title at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, setting a championship record of 8:51.59 and reclaiming the crown for Kenya.

At 21, Cherotich delivered a decisive performance, overtaking defending champion Winfred Yavi in the final 200 metres. The victory marked a significant milestone in her transition from junior to senior level, building on her bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew finished third.

Cherotich’s win ends Kenya’s six-year wait for a world title in the women’s steeplechase. Despite strong performances in previous global events, Kenya had not secured gold in the event since 2019. Although the country has produced elite athletes in the discipline, Olympic titles have so far eluded its women, with gold medals going to athletes who switched national allegiance, including Ruth Jebet and Yavi.

A former World U20 champion, Cherotich now targets Olympic gold at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. She also plans to defend her world title at the 2027 championships in Beijing, a feat no woman has achieved in the steeplechase—and is working towards breaking the world record of 8:44.32, held by fellow Kenyan Beatrice Chepkoech. 

Cherotich's personal best of 8:48.71, set earlier this year at the Prefontaine Classic, puts her within striking distance. Her rivalry with Yavi has become one of the key storylines in women’s distance running. Yavi led their early encounters, winning six of their first nine races. 

However, Cherotich has since turned the tables, winning four of their last five meetings, including two Diamond League titles and the recent world championship. Cherotich credits her progress to the support of her parents, Joseph Kipkemoi and Ann Keter, and the guidance of her coach, Bernard Rono. 

Raised in Londiani, Kericho County, she trained under Rono from her school days at Sugutek Secondary School. Their focus now shifts to preparing for the 2026 season, beginning with cross country competitions and a return to the Diamond League in April.