The medal tally for Kenya at the Olympics is now four, with former World Under-20 champion Faith Cherotich being the latest to contribute, earning a bronze medal in the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase final.
Cherotich clocked a personal best time of 8:55.15 to finish third in a race dominated by Kenyan-turned-Bahraini and reigning world champion Winfred Yavi.
“It wasn’t an easy race. I am thankful that I got a place on the podium. I tried my best to go with them at the bell when they added the tempo. I told myself that I had to endure till the end, and I am thankful that I got the bronze,” Cherotich said after the race.
Yavi won the race with an Olympic record time of 8:52.76, followed by Ugandan Peruth Chemutai, who clinched silver with a national record of 8:53.34.
Cherotich’s compatriot in the same race, world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, came in sixth, clocking 9:04.24.
Chepkoech, who has now finished fourth, seventh, and sixth at the Olympics, acknowledged the challenges she faced. At 33, the Los Angeles Games in 2028 might be a stretch for her to achieve her elusive dream.
“I got pneumonia after the Trials. I went to the doping room while wet, which affected me. I reported that when I went to camp because I was really coughing. I came here with the effect of medication, and I tried to feel how the body would respond. Running with medication is really tough. I am happy for Cherotich; she fought till the end to ensure we had a medal,” Chepkoech said after the race.
For Cherotich, this is a back-to-back bronze medal, following her podium finish at the 2023 World Championships.
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