Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has lauded Kenyan athletes for their respective performances in the World Athletics Diamond League games in Doha, Qatar, on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Taking to his social media on Saturday, May 17, 2025, Mwangi termed the success of the various track and field athletes as hallmarks of the country’s undying sporting legacy.

Mwangi praised Nelly Chepchirchir, who bagged gold to defend the 3000m steeplechase Diamond League title on Friday, May 16, 2025.

How it went down in Doha Diamond League last night!

Faith Cherotich (3,000m Steeplechase)
Reynold Cheruiyot (5,000m)
Nelly Chepchirchir (1,500m)
Susan Lokayo Ejore (1,500m 2nd place)
Wyclife Kinyamal (800m 3rd place)

Congratulations #AthleticsKenya#TracknFieldSeason pic.twitter.com/u5dKxoiGdn

— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) May 17, 2025

Cherotich, the Olympic bronze medalist, 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.

“The spectacular wins by Nelly Chepchirchir, Reynold Cheruiyot, Faith Cherotich; the exceptional show by Wycliffe Kinyamal and Susan Lokayo Ejore is an enduring testament to the fierce determination, discipline, and teamwork that is the hallmark of Kenya’s sporting legacy,” Mwangi’s statement read.

Other winners

Joining the Olympic Bronze medalist on the wins, Reynold Cheruiyot shrugged off competition in a strong field to win the Men’s 5000m in an impressive time of 13:16:40 in only his second-ever race over the distance.

The two-time Olympic marathon champion and World Cross Country silver medalist unleashed a spirited 54-second final lap, closing the final 200m for the emphatic win.

His victory added to that of Faith Cherotich, who bagged Kenya a first position in the 3,000 m steeplechase.

In the men’s 800m, Kenya’s Wycliffe Kinyamal secured bronze in a time of 1:43.37. Kinyamal only lost his lead in the final moments to Tshepiso Masalela of Botswana, who claimed gold with a world lead (WL) of 1:43.11, and USA’s Bryce Hoppel.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Chepchirchir ensured that Faith Kipyegon absence was never felt, leading a Kenyan first and second sweep of the 1500 m race in a time of 4.05.00.

Chepchirchir led Susan Ejore, who finished as a runner-up in a time of 4:06:27, as the Kenyan defied a strong field and the threat from Ethiopian and Great Britain stars to register another victory.

Jemme Rekkie of Britain finished the race in third.

Other leaders who have recognised the impressive results by Kenyan athletes include Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and his PS Raymond Omollo.

Murkomen in a statement via his X page on Friday, May 16, 2025, termed the athlete’s performance as an inspiration to the entire nation.

“Congratulations, Faith Cherotich, on your unforgettable finish to win the 3000m steeplechase in the Doha Diamond League this evening. Kudos to Nelly Chepchirchir and Reynold Cheruiyot too, for the remarkable wins in the 1500m and 5000m races, respectively. The great Kenyan winning spirit was on full display tonight. Immensely proud of all of you who participated. You continue to inspire our nation,” the CS said.