Faith Cherotich set her sights on the gold at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships

Faith Cherotich, bronze medalist in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has set her sights on gold at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo after a strong start to the season.

The 20-year-old Kenyan began her season with a win at the Diamond League in Doha on May 16, where she edged out Olympic champion Winfred Yavi in 9:05.08 min. Winfred Yavi finished second in 9:05.26 min, with Sembo Almayew (Ethiopia) finishing third in 9:09.27 min.

Faith Cherotich confirmed her excellent form with another win at the Diamond League in Oslo, clocking a world-best time of the season of 9:02.60 min. Winfred Yavi finished second again in 9:02.76 min, while Turkey’s Marwa Bouzayani rounded out the podium in 9:06.84 min.

With two convincing wins, Faith Cherotich believes she is building momentum for the World Championships in Tokyo, which are just three months away.

“My goal for this season is to win the world title, but I also want to run well”, said Faith Cherotich. “For now, I just need to do well in my training and continue to run well towards the world championships”, added she.

Faith Cherotich made her debut at the 2023 women’s world championships in Budapest, where she won bronze in 9:00.69 min. Winfred Yavi took gold in 8:54.29 min, while world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech took silver in 8:58.98 min. Before Tokyo, Faith Cherotich will face Winfred Yavi again at the Prefontaine Classic on July 5 in Eugene, Oregon. Olympic silver medalist Beatrice Chepkoech will also be in strong competition.

Faith Cherotich said that competing in Tokyo will be much different from her participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, as she has gained the necessary confidence.

“This time in Tokyo, the result will be different. You know, I was a girl when I participated in these events”, finished the Kenyan athlete.