Cherotich, Yavi to reignite rivalry in Eugene steeplechase
Bahrain's Winfred Yavi (L) and Kenya's Faith Cherotich compete in the women's 3000m hurdles event of the Oslo Diamond League Bislett Games 2025 at Bislett Stadium in Oslo, Norway on June 12, 2025. (Photo by Fredrik Varfjell / NTB / AFP) / NORWAY OUT
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The Eugene clash marks yet another Paris podium rematch between the three Olympic medallists and the red-hot Cherotich is carrying serious momentum into the race.
The 20-year-old Kenyan has already chalked up three wins this season, toppling world and Olympic champion Yavi at both the Doha and Oslo Diamond League legs.
In Doha on May 16, Cherotich timed her finish to perfection, powering past Yavi to win in 9:05.08.
She followed that up with a statement victory in Oslo, clocking a blistering 9:02.60 to smash the meeting record.
That marked her third career triumph over Yavi, including the 2023 Diamond League Final in Brussels, where she won in 9:02.36 ahead of Yavi (9:02.87) and Chemutai (9:07.60).
Prior to the Paris meet, Cherotich retreated to her Kalyet Camp training base in Kericho for focused preparations, before dropping a world lead and personal best of 8:53.37 at the Paris Diamond League on June 20. She beat Tokyo Olympic champion Chemutai (8:54.41) in one of the fastest races of the year.
Her coach Bernard Rono says training has gone to plan and that Cherotich is focused but under no pressure.
“Faith’s one-week block at Kalyet was solid, same regimen, same goal to maintain form. It’s all about consistency and belief,” said Rono.
“She’s in a good place. No pressure, but we hope she keeps the momentum and enjoys the race. With 24 points at the top of the standings, Eugene is key as she gauges herself before the Tokyo World Championships. Let God take the wheel,” he added.
Cherotich is now ranked first at the Diamond League standings with 24 points, 10 ahead of Yavi.
Yavi still holds the edge in experience with current world and Olympic titles under her belt.
After the Eugene leg, the 2025 Wanda Diamond League season heads to Monaco on July 11.
2025 Wanda Diamond League – Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Standings
Faith Cherotich (KEN) – 24 pts
Winfred Yavi (BRN) – 14 pts
Sembo Almayew (ETH) – 12 pts
Maraw Bouzayani (TUN) – 10 pts
Peruth Chemutai (UGA) – 9 pts
Lea Meyer (GER) – 8 pts
Courtney Wayment (USA) – 7 pts
Gabrielle Jennings (USA) – 6 pts
Norah Jeruto (KAZ) – 5 pts
Lomi Muleta (ETH) – 4 pts
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