Kenya’s Religion Cherotich beats defending world champion Winfred Yavi as Britain’s Elise Thorner finishes eleventh in Tokyo.
Religion Cherotich introduced the ladies’s 3000m steeplechase world title again to Kenya for the primary time in 2019 as she destroyed Winfred Yavi, the Kenyan-born Bahrain athlete, within the last 150m to win in a championship file of 8:51.59.
Yavi is the reigning world and Olympic champion, however Cherotich kicked away from her on Wednesday (Sept 17).
The 21-year-old is a rising drive within the occasion. Aged 18 she received the world under-20 title in Cali and has since claimed Diamond League titles along with bronze on the 2024 Olympics and 2023 World Championships.
“I’m so completely happy to win at the moment,” stated Cherotich. “Enhancing from bronze to gold is superb to me. I didn’t know the way it could go initially, however I used to be prepared. Within the final 400m, I stated, ‘That is my second’. My coach jogged my memory, ‘Religion, you are able to do it.’ I believed in myself and it paid off.”
Yavi clocked 8:56.46 in second as Sembo Almayew of Ethiopia was third in 8:58.86.
“After all, the purpose was to win, however I’m grateful for this silver,” stated Yavi. “Within the final 200 metres, I used to be nonetheless robust, however I couldn’t maintain the velocity. My coach and household’s assist saved me targeted. I’m nonetheless younger, and I do know there are extra titles forward.”
Thorner ran 9:19.02 on the finish of a wonderful season for the Briton. “I went in simply to compete like I’ve performed all 12 months, which I undoubtedly did, so I couldn’t have requested for any extra,” she stated.
“My coach (Helen Clitheroe) stated to me simply give it your coronary heart and soul, which is what I did.
“I sound a bit disillusioned which I feel is sweet as you anticipate extra. I’d by no means have dreamed I’d be eleventh on the planet. We might be again for extra.”
