Kenya has yet to win the women’s 3000m steeplechase Olympic gold medal. World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech insists that Kenya should adopt a structured approach to steeplechase development.
On her Olympics debut, 20-year-old rising star Faith Cherotich won Kenya’s fourth medal by securing a bronze in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final at the Olympic Games in Paris. Faith moved from fourth place, clearing the penultimate water jump quickly enough to join Peruth Chemutai and Yavi Mutile on the podium.
“The race was not easy at all from the start. When the pace increased at the bell, I decided to push harder to stay with them. I held on until the end for the bronze medal. When they slowed down, I caught up, hoping no one was trailing me—I didn’t want us to leave empty-handed,” Faith said.
“I am happy Faith has the bronze; she will replace me when I leave the track. For now, I am transitioning to road running,” announced Beatrice Chepkoech, who finished in sixth place, confirming that Paris is her last track competition.
Cherotich is undoubtedly the future of Kenya’s steeplechase, unafraid to challenge the seniors for a medal. At just 20 years old, she is a World U20 champion, U20 bronze medalist, World bronze medalist, 2023 Female Rising Star, and now an Olympic bronze medalist.
“I am excited because I know I can do it. I’m not under much pressure about taking over from Beatrice. I’m going back to train more and improve my speed,” Cherotich said enthusiastically, dedicating her bronze to her parents.
Kenya has yet to win the women’s 3000m steeplechase Olympic gold medal. World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech insists that Kenya should adopt a structured approach to steeplechase development in the country.
Earlier in the evening, the victory ceremony for the women’s 5000m was held, with the Kenyan national anthem playing for the first time in Paris as Beatrice Chebet claimed gold and Faith Kipyegon took silver. However, Monday night was challenging for Faith Kipyegon. The emotional rollercoaster of winning a 5000m silver in her first Olympic 5000m race, getting disqualified for obstruction—a decision later overturned—and then lining up again for the women’s 1500m heats was overwhelming.
Despite looking tired in Heat 2, Faith did just enough to qualify for the semifinals with a fourth-place finish. “I feel good, but to be honest, I am a little bit tired. This is another race, so I am looking forward to the semifinals,” she said.
When asked about the tussle with Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay that led to her disqualification, Faith responded, “This is sport, and we accept the outcome. I am Faith; I always participate fairly and believe in myself. Yesterday was a tough race with a lot of pushing, but it's behind me now, and I am focusing on the 1500m. I thank Kenyans for their support and prayers, and we will keep fighting for the finish line in the 1500m.”
The disqualification was a tough blow, especially since it was a first in her 13-year career. Her focus now is on the 1500m semifinals, where she will compete alongside debutants Susan Ejore and Nelly Chepchirchir.
“Being my first Olympic Games, I am proud to have made it to the semifinals. When we were in the call room, I heard people shout, and I knew that was Faith’s heat. I was nervous. Making it to the semifinal is good, but our aim is to go all the way to the final,” Nelly Chepchirchir said.
While Kenya’s 1500m trio awaits the semifinals, the men’s final was not kind to the Kenyan team. Timothy Cheruiyot and Brian Komen finished 11th and 12th, respectively. The gold medal was won by American Cole Hocker in an Olympic record of 3:27.65, with Josh Kerr and Yared Nuguse taking silver and bronze, respectively.