Cherotich believes she is in the form of her life to claim World steeplechase title

Olympic 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Faith Cherotich has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the Tokyo 2025 World Championships, declaring her intent to upgrade her global bronze to gold following a red-hot start to her season.

The 20-year-old has been in scintillating form since the gun went off on her 2025 campaign, clocking back-to-back Diamond League victories and toppling big names along the way.

Cherotich opened her international season in style at the Doha Diamond League on May 16, unleashing a devastating final kick to outclass Olympic champion Winfred Yavi, clocking 9:05.08.  Yavi settled for second in 9:05.26, while Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew followed in 9:09.27.

The Kenyan star underlined her credentials with another statement win at the Oslo Diamond League, producing a world-leading 9:02.60 to once again edge Yavi, who finished a close second in 9:02.76.  Turkey’s Marwa Bouzayani rounded out the podium in 9:06.84.

With two commanding victories under her belt, Cherotich believes she's building the perfect momentum for the World Championships in Tokyo, which are just three months away. "My target for this season is to win the world title, but also, I want to run good races," Cherotich said.

"For now, I need to do well in my training and keep running well towards the world championships."

Cherotich made her senior global debut at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, clinching bronze in 9:00.69.  Yavi took gold in 8:54.29, with world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech claiming silver in 8:58.98. Next up for Cherotich before Tokyo is another high-stakes clash at the Prefontaine Classic on July 5 in Eugene, Oregon, where she’ll again face Yavi.

Adding more depth to the field is Olympic silver medallist Chemutai in a field stacked with firepower. Cherotich revealed that the Tokyo showdown will be much different from her 2024 Paris Olympic appearance as she has gained much-needed confidence. "It will be a different result this time in Tokyo. You know, I have been a junior coming to these events."

In Paris, Yavi outclassed the entire field to claim the Olympic title in 8:52.76, ahead of Chemutai (8:53.34) and Cherotich (8:55.15).

She believes she is in her best form yet to achieve her goals. "But now, I am in my best form. I have something to build on. When I was running these junior championships, I gained confidence and started to believe in myself. So now, I can build on it."

Despite her rising star status, the youngster remains grounded, fully aware that the road to gold will be anything but easy. "There are many of us who have the same ambitions. But I am going to fight and I will do all my best to achieve my goal," she said.