Gold medalist and rising steeplechase star Faith Cherotich is all set for stellar performances this year.
The youngster who specializes in the 3,000m steeplechase comes across as shy but is full of ambitions after she won a Diamond League trophy held in Brussels, setting her debut to the Olympics in 2024.
The 20- year- old clinched her first ever Diamond League victory in 2024 to win the women’s 3,000m steeplechase where she clocked 9:02.36 setting her debut to the Olympics where she won a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics in a personal best time of 8:55.15.
At age 17, Cherotich won bronze medal at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships held in Nairobi and in 2022 she won gold at the World U20 Championships in Cali.
In an interview with KNA at Kericho Teachers College (KTTC) grounds on Saturday following her speed work training with upcoming athletes, Cherotich said she has already begun training for the Doha Diamond League meeting slated for 16th May this year at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar but will participate in the Athletics Kenya (AK) road races before then.
“My training is going on well and I have begun training for the Doha Diamond League slated for May this year in the 5,000m women’s steeplechase but nevertheless, I am going to compete in the various Athletics Kenya (AK) meetings before then. I believe 2025 season will be my best.” said Cherotich.
Cherotich advised young upcoming women athletes that hard work, discipline and patience were the ingredients to success in their running careers.
“Only patience wins. There is nothing that comes fast without hard work,” said Cherotich
Her coach Benard Rono said Cherotich is doing well in her training with this athletics season and was hopeful that she will have a successful athletics season.
“Cherotich is growing steadily and inspiring other young athletes. 2025 is a good season for her. She managed to win a bronze medal at the Olympics and I believe she has great potential ahead of her,” said Coach Rono.
She trains at the Kalyet Athletics Training Camp in Londiani sub-county within Kericho County.
By Sarah Njagi