Faith Cherotich Breaks Meet Record in Oslo After Stunning Finish Over Winfred Yavi
Faith Cherotich continues to prove she’s the real deal. The 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medallist delivered another breathtaking performance in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, this time smashing the meet record in Oslo with a time of 9:02.60, once again outkicking her fierce rival Winfred Yavi in a thrilling finale.
Cherotich’s display on Thursday night was nothing short of spectacular. On a cool evening in Norway, the 20-year-old Kenyan showcased not only her blistering finishing speed but also race maturity far beyond her years. From start to finish, the Oslo Diamond League crowd witnessed the rise of a potential global steeplechase queen.
Coming into the race, the spotlight was firmly on the renewed rivalry between Cherotich and Yavi — the Kenyan-born Olympic champion now running for Bahrain. Their encounter in Doha last month had already set the tone, with Cherotich edging out Yavi in the final 200m. Oslo was billed as the rematch, and it more than delivered.
Cherotich started conservatively, holding third place behind pacemaker Kinga Królik while calmly assessing the rhythm of the pack. Yavi, meanwhile, lingered between third and fourth, keeping a close eye on her young challenger. The pace was steady and strategic, with the leading group content to avoid any early fireworks.
At the 1500m mark, the tempo began to build, and Cherotich’s calm demeanor turned into confident aggression. She smoothly edged forward, taking command of the race in a way that suggested this was always part of the plan. With each stride, she dictated terms to the rest of the field, sending a silent message — the track was hers to own.
As the bell rang for the final lap, Oslo’s Bislett Stadium erupted. It had become a two-woman race. Cherotich and Yavi pulled away from the pack, with Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani holding third at a distance. The tension was electric. All eyes were fixed on the rematch, and once again, Cherotich had saved her best for last.
Down the back straight, Yavi tried to draw level, but Cherotich had more gears left. With about 200 metres to go, the Kenyan unleashed her signature burst. Her long strides, controlled breathing, and laser focus pushed her ahead of Yavi, who, despite clocking a season-best 9:02.76, simply could not respond to the pressure.
Cherotich crossed the line in 9:02.60, not only setting a new meet record but also shaving more than two seconds off her own time from Doha. The roar of the Oslo crowd said it all. A star was not just born — she was confirmed.
Faith Cherotich wins the women’s 3000mSc at the Oslo Diamond League, running a Meet Record & World Lead of 9:02.60 to win the race ahead of Winfred Yavi #AthleticsKenya#OsloDL#TeamKenya pic.twitter.com/jvnwnTxU63
— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) June 12, 2025
This victory means more than just another Diamond League title. It’s back-to-back wins over Yavi, a seasoned global champion, and it positions Cherotich as a leading favourite heading into the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. She is no longer just a promising talent — she’s becoming a serial winner on the international stage.
Yavi, ever gracious in defeat, acknowledged the quality of her rival but will undoubtedly be plotting revenge when they meet again. Meanwhile, Marwa Bouzayani of Tunisia delivered a strong performance to round out the podium, but the night belonged to Faith.
For Cherotich, this run was not just about tactics or pace — it was about identity. It was a statement that Kenyan distance dominance is alive and well in the steeplechase, and she is ready to carry the mantle. In an event often dominated by experienced names, Cherotich’s youthful confidence and fearless finishes are refreshing and exciting.
Even more impressive is her consistency under pressure. With each big stage she steps onto, she seems to grow stronger. Her ability to stay composed in the early stages and then accelerate with perfect timing is a hallmark of elite-level athletes. At just 20 years old, she’s racing with the poise of someone ten years her senior.
As she completed her lap of honour, waving the Kenyan flag and soaking in the applause, the world got a glimpse of what might soon become a familiar scene. Faith Cherotich is not just here for a season — she’s building a legacy.
With every win, she sharpens her confidence and reaffirms her status as a top-tier competitor. Oslo may have been just one stop on the Diamond League circuit, but for Cherotich, it felt like another step toward greatness.
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