Faith Cherotich competes at a previous race/ HANDOUT
Faith Cherotich will be aiming to reverse her fortunes against regional rival Peruth Chemutai and Bahrain’s Olympic champion Winfred Yavi when the trio renew their rivalry at the Prefontaine Classic on Saturday.
Cherotich has experienced a relatively slow start to her 2026 campaign compared to the sensational form she displayed last season, finishing behind Chemutai in both Diamond League meetings they have contested this year.
Their first clash came at the Shanghai Diamond League on May 16, where Chemutai unleashed a devastating finishing kick to edge out the Kenyan. The Ugandan clocked 8:51.47, narrowly beating Cherotich, who crossed the line in 8:51.48, while Marwa Bouzayani of Tunisia finished third in 8:58.09
. The rivalry continued at the Xiamen Diamond League on May 23, with Chemutai once again emerging victorious. Chemutai stormed to victory in 8:51.06 ahead of Yavi, who finished second in 8:51.54, while Cherotich settled for third after clocking 8:52.53. Following the Xiamen meeting, Cherotich admitted that her finishing speed had let her down against the experienced duo.
“I had no speed in the race, so I will focus on my speed, especially in the last part of the race,” she said. Despite the back-to-back defeats, the 21-year-old remained optimistic that stronger performances are on the horizon.
“I believe I will do better in the coming race.” Cherotich also revealed that injuries had disrupted her preparations earlier in the season. “My preparations were not so good, to be honest, due to some injuries. But now I am hoping to come back very strong,” she added.
While Chemutai has enjoyed the early advantage this season, Cherotich still boasts an impressive record in their growing rivalry. The pair first faced off at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023, where Cherotich announced herself on the global stage by claiming bronze in 9:00.69, while Chemutai finished sixth in 9:10.26. At the 2024 Prefontaine Classic,
Chemutai claimed victory in 8:55.09, with Cherotich finishing third in 9:04.45. However, Cherotich responded later that season by capturing the Diamond League title in Brussels with a winning time of 9:02.36 ahead of Yavi (9:02.87), while Chemutai placed third in 9:07.60.
Their rivalry intensified further in 2025, with Cherotich opening her season in style at the Doha Diamond League, winning in 9:05.08 ahead of Yavi (9:05.26), while Chemutai finished seventh in 9:15.55. Cherotich then capped off a memorable 2025 campaign by claiming world gold in a time of 8:51.59, while Chemutai endured a difficult season that included a DNF in the world final.
The women’s steeplechase field at the Prefontaine Classic will also feature two-time NCAA champion Doris Lemngole, Tunisia’s Bouzayani, and Norah Jeruto.
A strong American contingent led by Gabrielle Jennings is also expected to challenge for top honours.
