Kenya's gold medal tally at the ongoing World Athletics U20 Championships in Colombia has increased to three following a remarkable performance by Faith Cherotich in the women's 3,000m Steeplechase.
The form-three student was in fine form throughout the race as she crossed the finish line in 9:16:14 ahead of Ethiopian duo Sembo Almayew (9:30.41) and Meseret Yeshanew (9:42.02) who claimed the silver and bronze respectively.
Just like in the semi-finals, Cherotich took control of the race from the get-go. The opening laps saw Cherotich control the pace of the pack dominated by Ethiopians as well as compatriot Pamela Kosgei.
The student from Kalyet Secondary School in Kericho County seems was inspired by 800m World Record holder and Olympic champion David Rudisha who also led from gun to tape in the 2012 London Olympics.
Cherotich after four laps pulled the field around behind her, like a hen leading her chicks. The pace at times was so ferocious to an extent some athletes could be seen gritting their teeth
After crossing the finish line, the teenager raised her arms in triumph and then crossed her heart as the fans in the stands cheered. Unfortunately, Kosgei finished in a distant fifth clocking 10:06.46.
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