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Faith Cherotich is loking to follow in the footsteps of hero faith Kipygon after securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
Faith Cherotich, an Olympics debutant at the 2024 Paris Olympics Game, made her mark on the global stage with a spectacular performance in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, securing a bronze medal.
The 20-year-old Kenyan steepleschaser clocked a personal best of 8:55.15, helping to spare Kenya the disappointment of the event and cementing her place among the world’s elite in the discipline.
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11:40 - 03.01.2025
How rising star Sembo Almayew plans to conquer 2025 drawing inpiration from heroes Faith Kipyegon & Sifan Hassan
After being named 2024 World Athletics Women's Rising Star of the year, Ethiopian Olympian Sembo Almayew is eying a medal-filled 2025 season.
Cherotich’s achievement comes just a year after claiming a bronze medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, a performance that set the stage for her Olympic success.
Her remarkable run in Paris was not only a personal victory but also a testament to her rapid rise in the sport.
The young athlete had already shown signs of her potential when she finished third in the 2023 Diamond League final, recording a time of 8:59.65 to become the second-fastest U20 female steeplechaser ever, just behind compatriot Celliphine Chespol.
Despite her success, Cherotich remains grounded and often credits her inspiration to those who have mentored and motivated her.
One such person is Faith Kipyegon, Kenya's middle-distance queen and a three-time Olympic champion. Kipyegon’s influence on Cherotich has been profound, both as a mentor and a role model.
"I want to be a champion, to follow her. She has been teaching me a lot. I really appreciate it," Cherotich said in a January 2024 interview with World Athletics, reflecting on Kipyegon’s guidance prior to the Olympics.
The three-time Olympic champion has played a pivotal role in shaping Cherotich’s approach to training and competing at the highest level.
Cherotich’s admiration for Kipyegon dates back to her childhood. Her mother, Ann Keter, shared stories of her daughter’s early fascination with sports.
“Faith used to love plays that involved jumping as a child. And when I sent her to the shop, she used to run very fast and come back quickly,” Keter said.
Cherotich’s childhood interest in running grew stronger when she began watching Kipyegon’s awe-inspiring performances.
“I used to watch Faith Kipyegon. I saw how she ran and it motivated me so much that I told my parents I also want to run,” she recounted recently in a feature interview with NTV.
The influence of Kipyegon, coupled with Cherotich's natural talent, led to her impressive rise in the steeplechase ranks.
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18:03 - 24.12.2024
'She helps me as a coach’- Faith Cherotich’s coach hails her as a role model for Kenya’s rising stars
Faith Cherotich's coach, Bernard Rono, praised the 20-year-old Olympic bronze medallist for inspiring making his coaching easier through her exemplary discipline and success.
She achieved her first major international success at the 2021 World U20 Championships, where she claimed a bronze medal, before going on to win gold in the same competition in 2022.
Now, with an Olympic bronze medal under her belt, Cherotich’s sights are set on further glory. The future is bright for the young steeplechaser as she continues to build on her achievements and follow in the footsteps of the champions who have inspired her.
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