21-year-old Faith Cherotich has made the country proud after successfully claiming gold in the women's 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
On the race that took place on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium, Cherotich produced a tactical masterpiece to overcome defending champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain and set a new championship record in the process.
The young Kenyan athlete demonstrated remarkable composure and strategic racing. She stayed close to Yavi throughout the majority of the race before launching her decisive move with 200 meters remaining.
Cherotich stopped the clock at 8 minutes 51.59 seconds, smashing the previous championship record and finishing with a commanding margin of nearly five seconds over her nearest rival.
Yavi, the Kenyan-born Olympic champion now representing Bahrain, had to settle for silver after struggling with her technique over a hurdle during the critical final 200 meters.
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Despite her earlier dominance in the race, she crossed the line in 8:56.46, unable to match Cherotich's explosive finishing kick.
The podium was completed by Ethiopia's Sembo Almayew, who delivered a breakthrough performance to claim bronze in a personal best time of 8:58.86, adding another strong showing to East Africa's dominance in the discipline.
On Tuesday, the nation celebrated another golden moment when Faith Kipyegon delivered a masterful display to capture her fourth world title in the women's 1500 meters.
The veteran middle-distance runner established a new championship record of 3:52.12 in a race in which Kenya claimed the top two positions.
Kipyegon's teammate Dorcus Ewoi provided the perfect complement to secure a Kenyan one-two finish, clocking 3:54.71 for silver, while Australia's Jessica Hull rounded out the podium with bronze in 3:55.89.
Following her triumph, Kipyegon expressed the significance of her achievement personally and for the country.
"This victory means so much to Kenya and me. To come here to Tokyo and win again at the world stage is a blessing. I want to thank my family, coaches, and the Kenyan fans who always believe in me,” she said.
