Faith Cherotich Shocks the World, Wins Diamond League Steeplechase Title in Thrilling Finish

• Sep 14, 2024

Faith Cherotich, the 20-year-old Kenyan, delivered a stunning upset to win the 2024 Diamond League steeplechase title, outpacing Olympic and World Champion Winfred Yavi in a nail-biting race. The victory came during the Allianz Memorial Van Damme, the final meet of the Diamond League season held in Brussels on Saturday. Cherotich crossed the finish line in an impressive 9:02.36, securing her first major championship win.

Cherotich, who took bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showed tactical brilliance throughout the race. Despite trailing Yavi, who led the race for much of the event, Cherotich remained composed, waiting for the right moment to strike. Yavi, the overwhelming favorite heading into the race, had been dominant all season, but Cherotich’s resilience and determination helped her steal the victory in the final lap.

From the start, the race was fiercely competitive. By the 400m mark, Yavi was in control, with Cherotich and Uganda's Peruth Chemutai, the 2021 Olympic gold medalist, close behind. As they hit the 1000m mark, the leading trio widened the gap from the rest of the field. Yavi still held the advantage, but Cherotich began making her move as the race neared the 2000m mark.

In a bold surge, Cherotich took the lead for the first time, and despite Chemutai's brief attempt to overtake her at the 2500m mark, Cherotich regained control in the final stretch. She held off a determined Yavi, who finished just behind her with a time of 9:02.87. Chemutai secured third place with a time of 9:07.60, making it one of the most exciting races of the season.

Behind the top three, Germany’s Gesa Felicitas Krause achieved a season-best time of 9:08.94, finishing fourth, followed by American Gabrielle Jennings in fifth place at 9:09.89. Tunisia's Marwa Bouzayani came in sixth at 9:10.19, with Valerie Constien of the USA in seventh at 9:13.31. Rounding out the top ten were Germany’s Lea Meyer, Olivia Markezich from the USA, and Ethiopia's Lomi Muleta.

Cherotich’s victory marks a milestone in her career. After a consistent season, including third-place finishes in Xiamen and at the Prefontaine Classic, she proved that her Olympic bronze medal was no fluke. This Diamond League win positions her as a rising star in the world of steeplechase.

For Yavi, the loss brings a temporary halt to an otherwise exceptional year. She won gold in the Paris Olympics, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 8:52.76, and was a favorite in both the Paris and Rome Diamond League meetings. However, Cherotich’s bold tactics and timing proved too much for the Bahraini star to overcome.

Cherotich’s rise to the top signals a new era in the steeplechase as she continues to challenge the world’s best athletes. With this Diamond League trophy, she has firmly established herself as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.

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