Steeplechase competition revitalizes with renewed rivalry between Cherotich and Yavi
Defending champion Victor Kiplangat of Uganda had a less-than-stellar performance in the world marathon, finishing in 15th place. Meanwhile, in the women's event, the final is shaping up to be a nail-biting contest.
Faith Cherotich, affectionately known as 'Small Faith', is looking to continue her stellar 2025 season in the event. Cherotich has already made a significant impact this year, setting a new world lead in the women's 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9:02.60 at the Oslo Diamond League. Last month, she edged out Winfred Yavi in a 3000m steeplechase race at the same event. Yavi, who recently left Kenya, responded with a strong second-place finish, clocking in at 9:02:76.
Cherotich, Yavi, and Ugandan Peruth Chemutai all won their Heats and qualified for the final. In Heat 1, Cherotich clinched the victory with a time of 9:13.95, narrowly beating Kenyan-born Kazakh Norah Jeruto (9:14.25) and Briton Elise Thorner (third place). Thorner, who finished third in Heat 1, automatically booked her spot in the final. Doris Lemngole also qualified for the final after finishing second in Heat 3.
The men's world marathon took place a day after Peres Jepchirchir won the gold medal in the event. Tanzania's Alhponse Simbu stole the show, winning the race with a time of 2:09:48, setting a blistering sprint at the finish. The podium was closely contested, with Amanal Petros of Germany and Iliass Aouani (Italy) finishing in a photo finish for the silver medal, both with a time of 2:09:48. Simbu's win ended the participation of Kennedy Kimutai, who finished 16th, and Vincent Ngetich, who came in 22nd.
The women's 3000m steeplechase final is expected to be just as competitive. The highlight of the final will be the matchup between Olympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich and world champion Winfred Yavi. Marwa Bouzayani of Tunisia, who moved to the fourth position in the women's 3000m steeplechase rankings after her performance at Oslo, is also expected to put up a strong challenge.
Tomorrow, the world will be watching as these athletes compete for gold in the women's 3000m steeplechase final.
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