Faith Cherotich competes at the Zurich Diamond League/ HANDOUT After stamping her authority with a commanding victory at the Zurich Diamond League Final on Thursday evening, Olympic 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Faith Cherotich has set her sights on revenge against Olympic champion Winfred Yavi in Tokyo.
Cherotich defended her Diamond League crown in Zurich, clocking 8:57.24 to underline her growing stature in the water-and-barrier event.
Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto followed in 9:10.87, with Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani completing the podium in 9:12.03.
The 21-year-old Cherotich claimed her maiden trophy in Brussels last year, clocking 9:02.36.
Yavi, a Kenyan-born Bahraini, followed in 9:02.87 with Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai third in 9:07.60.
Cherotich's rivalry with Yavi has been one of the most compelling narratives of the season.
Their last race was at the Prefontaine Classic on July 5, where the Bahraini stormed to victory in 8:45.25, with Cherotich second in 8:48.71 as Chemutai closed the podium places in 8:51.77.
With Tokyo looming, Cherotich is determined to turn the tables.
"I have been aiming for gold at the World Championships. It's not easy, but I want that world title," Cherotich said.
Cherotich bagged her first senior global medal when she clocked 9:00.69 for bronze at Budapest 2023, finishing behind Yavi (8:54.29) and compatriot Beatrice Chepkoech (8:58.98).
The youngster believes her consistency this season will be crucial in Tokyo.
"I am happy that I was also able to run another sub-9 (minute) race. I am happy with my consistency throughout the season," she said.
She started her Diamond League campaign with a dominant display in Doha, clinching victory in 9:05.08.
She led Yavi (9:05.26) and Ethiopia's Sembo Almayew (9:09.27) to the podium.
Cherotich followed that up with yet another masterclass in Oslo, winning in 9:02.60, leaving Yavi (9:02.76) and Bouzayani (9:06.84) in her wake.
On June 20, Cherotich secured her third Diamond League circuit victory in Paris, storming to a then world-leading time of 8:53.37.
Chemutai (8:54.41) and Almayew (9:01.22) secured second and third place.
Back home, the Kenyan prodigy reaffirmed her dominance by winning the World Championships trials at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in 9:09.44.
She led NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) champion Doris Lemngole (9:24.69) and Caren Chebet (9:34.91).
Cherotich spearheads Kenya’s Tokyo-bound steeplechase squad alongside Lemngole and double (10,000m, 5000m) NCAA champion Pamela Kosgei.
"I had prepared well for this Zurich final. I had been preparing myself since the start of the season, knowing I have to defend my Diamond League trophy," she said.
However, she revealed she was nursing a mild cold and was, therefore, not expecting to win.
"I did not expect to win because I was so weak; I had a cold, but I decided to push on," she said. "Now I am going to sharpen up my form in training and I hope to be in good form in Tokyo."
