Kenya’s Cheruiyot duo storm into 1500m finals at World Championships in Tokyo
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 15, 2025Kenya will have two strong contenders in the men’s 1500m final at the World Championships in Tokyo after Timothy Cheruiyot and Reynold Cheruiyot both advanced from their semi-final races on Monday, September 15, 2025.
Timothy, the 2019 world champion, competed in the first semi-final. He finished fourth in 3:35.61 to secure a place in the final. The race was tightly contested, with Dutch teenager Niels Laros winning in 3:35.50. Britain’s Josh Kerr, the defending world champion, came second in 3:35.53, while fellow Brit Jake Wightman crossed third in 3:35.56. Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran and Sweden’s Samuel Pihlstrom also booked spots in the final, finishing fifth and sixth.
Reynold, the younger of the two Cheruiyots, lined up in the second semi-final and produced a strong kick in the final stretch to win in 3:36.64. He outsprinted Olympic champion Cole Hocker of the United States, who clocked 3:36.67 for second place. Spain’s Adrian Ben took third in 3:36.78. Portugal’s Isaac Nader, American Jonah Koech, and Britain’s Neil Gourley filled the remaining qualifying positions.
Cheruiyot duo chase redemption
The results mean Kenya will be represented by two athletes in the 1500m final, both carrying hopes of restoring the nation’s dominance in the event. Kenya last won the world title in Doha in 2019 when Timothy claimed gold. Since then, the crown has been held by Britain’s Jake Wightman, who triumphed in Eugene in 2022, and Josh Kerr, who won in Budapest two years later.
The Tokyo final promises a thrilling contest, with a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars. Kerr and Wightman will be aiming to repeat Britain’s success from Budapest, while Laros has shown impressive form this season. Hocker remains a dangerous rival, having already secured Olympic gold in Paris.
For Kenya, the spotlight will be on Timothy’s experience and Reynold’s emerging talent. Timothy has battled through a challenging few seasons but looks determined to regain his place at the top. Reynold, on the other hand, has shown rapid progress and carries the confidence of youth.
The men’s 1500m final is scheduled later this week on Wednesday, and Kenyan fans will be eager to see whether the Cheruiyot duo can deliver another proud moment for the country on the world stage.