Teenager Faith Cherotich impresses as three Kenyans make 3000m steeplechase semis

© Eric Barasa

ATHLETICS Teenager Faith Cherotich impresses as three Kenyans make 3000m steeplechase semis

Mark Kinyanjui 20:30 - 23.08.2023

Cherotich, the reigning world junior champion, is one of three Kenyan athletes who qualified for the steeplechase semis.

Kenyan trio of Beatrice Chepkoech, Jackline Chepkoech and Faith Cherotich have qualified for the semi-finals of the Women’s 3000m steeplechase event at the ongoing World Athletics Championships taking place in Budapest.

Chepkoech, who was unable to defend her title last year because of a stress fracture in her ankle qualified to the semi-finals seventh in her heat, behind Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi.

The Baharanian and the world record holder will be joined in the semi finals by  Ethiopia's Lomi Muleta, American Courtney Wayment and Tunisia's Marwa Bouzayani all who finished top five in that order.

Yavi was fourth at each of the past two World Championships, but winning her heat ahead of Chepkoech may be a statement of intent.  Aimee Pratt was an excellent seventh last year.

Cherotich impressed as she stormed to victory in her heat © Eric Barasa

In heat two, Faith Cherotich, the reigning world junior champion, finished top of her heat on 9:19:55, ahead of Ethiopian Sembo Almayeu and Uganda’s Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai.

In heat three, Commonwealth champion Jackline Chepkoech of Kenya set a world-leading time of 8:57.35 at the London Athletics Meet in July.

The 19-year-old, who holds the world-leading time in 2023-the seventh best in history-, created a gap from second placed Ethiopian youngster Zerfe Wondemagegn in the last leg.

Luize Gega, Alice Finot and German Oliva Gurth completed the semi-finals.

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