Chepkoech, Cherotich punch tickets to Paris Olympics 3000m steeplechase final

Reigning champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda also punched her ticket to the final as was world champion and Kenyan-born Bahraini Winfred Mutile Yavi, setting up a potentially explosive showdown on Tuesday from 21:14 Kenyan time.

Debutant Cherotich, who is also a world bronze medalist, was the first Kenyan in the mix and the youngster kept the champion Chemutai toe to toe to finish second in 9:10.57 in the first heat behind the Ugandan who timed 9:10.51.

“I’m happy to have qualified to the final, and now the focus shifts towards winning a medal for Kenya. I started slowly but I was careful to be in the top five and that's why I kicked in the final lap.

“No pressure ahead of the final and I hope I will do well. Faith (Kipyegon) is my mentor and she gave me huge motivation after she also qualified to the final yesterday in 5000m,” said Cherotich, the bronze medalist at the 2021 World Athletics Under-20 Championships.

Buoyed by Cherotich’s performance, the world champion Chepkoech led from gun to tape in a dominant display in the water and barrier for first place in 9:13.56 in the third heat ahead of home girl Alice Finot who timed 9:14.78.

“I’ve been through a lot lately because I’ve been struggling with pneumonia and a chin injury. I did not expect to win. I hope on Tuesday I will be in a good condition but we expect a tough race,” said Chepkoech, who placed seventh at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

World champion Mutile, who stayed behind the leading pack until the last lap, surged to clinch victory in the second heat in 9:15.11 ahead of Ethiopian Sembo Almayew and American Valarie Constien respectively.

Kenya’s Chepkoech finished last to miss out on a place in the final.

“It was not my day but I wish Chepkoech and Cherotich all the best in the final. I’ve been through injuries and it feels good to have represented Kenya here regardless of the loss,” said the Commonwealth Games champion.

Uganda’s Chemutai is keen to heartbreak Kenyans as she seeks to win back to back titles in the water and barrier event.

“I was happy when Joshua (Cheptegei) won the first gold for Uganda and that really inspired me ahead of my race. We train together under one management, and prior to the race he had called me and told me not to run with pressure. I’m only here for the gold and nothing short,” confident Chemutai said.