Chemutai falls as Kenya’s Cherotich surges to Steeplechase World Title
David GOMBE
Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai had her medal aspirations end prematurely after a fall towards the end of the 3000m Steeplechase final on Wednesday.
Chemutai won Olympic gold at the same stadium in 2021 did not finish the race that was won by Kenya’s Faith Cherotich in a record championship time.
The Kenyan took a leap of faith to smile to the global title in a new championship record time of 8:51.59.
The two-time Diamond League champion (2024, 2025) and a world and Olympic bronze medallist beat Olympic champion Yavi.
Yavi battled hard to defend her title but could only settle for silver in 8:56.46 this time.
Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew showcased her own emerging talent by securing bronze in a personal best of 8:58.86.
Chemutai and Victor Kiplangat were Uganda’s medal hopefuls at the ongoing championship following their success at previous events but have both failed to deliver. Kiplangat finished 15th in the Men’s marathon in the early morning hours of Monday.
Uganda went to the championship without the duo of Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo who decided to concentrate on their Marathon events due next month respectively.
Uganda has previously won 13 medals at the championship, four by the golden Cheptegei.