Cherotich beats top rival Yavi to set Diamond League meet record and world lead in Oslo
By Mustafa Juma, June 12, 2025Kenya’s Faith Cherotich delivered another stellar performance on the international stage, storming to victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Oslo Diamond League on the night of Thursday, June 12, 2025.
The 20-year-old clocked a world-leading time and meet record of 9:02.60, beating a stacked field that included reigning world champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain.
“Faith Cherotich wins the women’s 3000mSc at the Oslo Diamond League, running a Meet Record & World Lead of 9:02.60 to win the race ahead of Winfred Yavi,” Athletics Kenya stated in a statement shared via X.
Vintage battle
Wanda Diamond League in a statement shared via X described the contest between Cherotich and Yavi as a vintage battle.
“Meeting record! Another vintage battle between @Olympics champion Winfred Yavi and #DiamondLeague champion Faith Cherotich in the 3000m steeplechase. Cherotich takes it with 9:02.60,” the statement read.
Yavi finished second with a time of 9:02.76 while Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani finished third in 9:06.84.
Doha Diamond League
This is not the first time Cherotich is outshining Yavi. Last month, Cherotich produced a thrilling finish to win and defend the 3000m steeplechase Diamond League title on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.
Cherotich won the women’s 3000m steeplechase in a world-leading 9:05.08. World and Olympic champion Winfred Yavi was in control going into the final lap before Cherotich showed grit and determination to win in the end.
Cherotich, the Olympic bronze medallist, negotiated the final barrier best, though, and charged past Yavi in the closing stages to win by 0.18. Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew was third in 9:09.27, according to Diamond League.