Cherotich says leap of faith in last kick won her gold in Tokyo

Cherotich revealed she was wanted to let it go after her arch-rival and Olympic champion Winfred Mutile Yavi bossed the race from the start and at the bell but she turned on the afterburners just after the last jump to overhaul the Kenyan-born Bahraini before her kick took her to the tape.

The 21-year-old Cherotich crossed the line in a new championship record of 8mins 51.59 seconds as Yavi settled for silver in 8:56.46, while bronze went to Ethiopian 20-year-old Sembo Almayew in a personal best time of 8:58.86.

“I knew I have a great finishing kick and when we got to the last hurdle I knew it was my time to make the move. First I wanted to give up but again I remembered I’m good in the last metres so I kicked. I am happy to be a world champion,” said Cherotich.

It was Yavi’s fourth defeat to Cherotich this year alone, all from the Diamond League, with her only win in Prefontaine Classic in July.

“In the last 200 metres, I was feeling strong, and I tried to run to the finish, but I didn't manage to keep my speed," said 25-year-old Yavi.

“I was challenged today (but) I am still young, I hope I can win the world title again in two years and more titles in the future."

In contrast, Cherotich’s rise has been remarkable. At 17, she earned bronze at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, before upgrading to gold at the 2022 edition in Cali.

She placed third in Budapest two years ago behind Yavi and former Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda, and also won bronze at the Paris Olympics behind the duo.

 "Improving from bronze to gold is amazing to me. I didn’t know how it would go at the start, but I was ready. In the last 400m, I said, ‘This is my moment.’ My coach reminded me, ‘Faith, you can do it.’ I believed in myself and it paid off.”

“I want to thank all my fans for their continued support of my career. I am hoping I keep on making them proud for many years to come,” she added.