Cherotich, Lemngole and Yavi Advance to Thrilling Steeplechase Final

Kenya’s Faith Cherotich delivered a tactical masterclass to win her heat and book a spot in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final. Cherotich looked composed throughout before powering home in 9:13.95, securing automatic qualification and keeping Kenya’s medal hopes alive.

It was, however, a disappointing day for her compatriot Celestine  Biwott, who finished in 7th place (9:22.55) and missed out on a top-five qualifying slot.

Cherotich now prepares for an exciting showdown with her familiar rival, former Kenyan and Olympic champion Winfred Yavi, who now competes for Bahrain. Running mostly from behind, Yavi ran with ease in Heat 2, clocking 9:15.63 to win comfortably. 

Kenya’s Pamela Kosgei finished 10th (9:28.21) in the same heat and bowed out of the competition.

Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai also underlined her dominance with the fastest time of the day, storming to victory in Heat 3 in 9:07.68, followed closely by Kenya’s Doris Lemngole, who impressed with 9:08.97 to claim second place and secure another Kenyan finalist.

Results at a Glance

Heat 1

1. Faith Cherotich (KEN) – 9:13.95 Q
2. Norah Jeruto (KAZ) – 9:14.25 Q
3. Elise Thorner (GBR) – 9:14.37 Q, PB
4. Flavie Renouard (FRA) – 9:14.69 Q, PB
5. Lexy Halladay (USA) – 9:15.06 Q
6. Olivia Gürth (GER) – 9:15.28, SB
7. Celestine Jepkosgei Biwot (KEN) – 9:22.55
8. Loice Chekwemoi (UGA) – 9:25.34, SB

Heat 2

1. Winfred Yavi (BRN) – 9:15.63 Q
2. Marwa Bouzayani (TUN) – 9:15.68 Q
3. Sembo Almayew (ETH) – 9:15.84 Q
4. Gesa Felicitas Krause (GER) – 9:16.76 Q, SB
5. Angelina Napoleon (USA) – 9:18.03 Q
6. Adva Cohen (ISR) – 9:19.90, NR
7. Marta Serrano (ESP) – 9:21.00, PB
8. Ilona Mononen (FIN) – 9:21.02, NR
9. Parul Chaudhary (IND) – 9:22.24
10. Pamela Kosgei (KEN) – 9:28.21

Heat 3

1. Peruth Chemutai (UGA) – 9:07.68 Q
2. Doris Lemngole (KEN) – 9:08.97 Q
3. Lomi Muleta (ETH) – 9:12.20 Q, SB
4. Lea Meyer (GER) – 9:13.18 Q
5. Kaylee Mitchell (USA) – 9:15.52 Q
6. Miu Saito (JPN) – 9:24.72, NR