In an exhilarating women’s 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kenya’s Faith Cherotich and Beatrice Chepkoech delivered commendable performances, finishing 3rd and 6th respectively. The race, held at the iconic Stade de France, was a showcase of endurance, strategy, and sheer determination.
Faith Cherotich, the former World Under-20 champion, secured the bronze medal with a season-best time of 8:55.15. Cherotich’s performance was a testament to her growing prowess in the steeplechase discipline. She maintained a strong pace throughout the race, positioning herself well among the leading pack. In the final lap, Cherotich’s determination shone through as she pushed hard to secure a podium finish, earning Kenya its fourth medal of the Games.
Cherotich during the 3000m steeplechase final. Image NOC-K
Beatrice Chepkoech, the world record holder, finished in 6th place with a time of 9:04.24. Despite battling pneumonia, which had affected her performance, Chepkoech demonstrated remarkable resilience. Her participation and effort in the race were commendable, highlighting her dedication and commitment to the sport.
The gold medal was claimed by Bahrain’s Winfred Mutile Yavi, who set a new Olympic record with a time of 8:52.76. Yavi’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she outpaced the competition in the final stretch. Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai, the defending champion, took silver with a national record time of 8:53.34.
Cherotich, who turned 20 last month, expressed her joy and satisfaction with her bronze medal finish. “I tried my best and I’m content with the third-place finish. I’ve lined up against world beaters and this gives me huge motivation as I get into this discipline proper,” she said when speaking to World Athletics. Her performance in Paris is a significant milestone in her career, and she is poised for even greater achievements in the future.
Chepkoech, reflecting on her race, acknowledged the challenges she faced due to her health condition. “I said after the heats that I was struggling with pneumonia and that I was even lucky to have finished the race. I’m still not well and I’m still under medication,” she revealed to World Athletics. Despite these challenges, Chepkoech’s participation in the final and her supportive words for Cherotich underscore her sportsmanship and dedication.
The women’s 3000m steeplechase final was a highlight of the athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The race drew a large crowd, with fans cheering passionately for their favourite athletes. The atmosphere was electric, and the performances on the track did not disappoint.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, the achievements of Cherotich and Chepkoech serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. Their dedication, resilience, and competitive spirit are a testament to the strength of Kenyan athletics on the global stage. Fans and supporters eagerly await their future endeavours, hopeful for more moments of brilliance from these exceptional athletes.