Faith Cherotich shares tactics behind her stunning Diamond League win over Olympic champion Winfred Yavi

Olympics bronze medalist Faith Cherotich has reacted with elation following her first-ever Diamond League triumph in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Brussels meeting on Saturday night.

The 20-year-old Kenyan runner delivered a stunning performance, clocking 9:02.36 to secure the title ahead of the formidable Olympic champion, Kenyan-born Winfred Yavi of Bahrain, who finished with a time of 9:02.87.

Botswana sprinter Letsile Tebogo has lamented how his new-found fame has taken away his freedom to the extent he wants to quit social media.

Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai claimed the bronze in 9:07.60, rounding out the podium.

The victory marked a sweet revenge for Cherotich, who had previously trailed both Yavi and Chemutai in their head-to-head clash at the Rome Diamond League on August 30.

“I didn’t expect to win today, but I think that I ran a good race. It wasn’t easy, but I kept saying to myself that, if I’m still in the lead after the last water jump, I was going to win,” she said.

“Winning the Diamond League means a lot to me,” Cherotich added, reflecting on the significance of her achievement.

Kenny Bednarek had a great start off the blocks, something that paid off well for him with Letsile Tebogo's poor execution costing him a win.

Known affectionately as Little Faith, Cherotich has been a consistent presence on the Diamond League podiums throughout 2024, including second place in Xiamen and third-place finishes in both Prefontaine and Rome.

Before Brussels, Cherotich had yet to taste victory on the Diamond League circuit, despite her impressive performances.

Her rise to prominence was further solidified after winning a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Olympics champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi appeared from nowhere to stun rivals Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati and claim a second straight Diamond League trophy in Brussels.

Cherotich began her season strong with a third-place finish at the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen, followed by another podium finish at the Prefontaine Classic.

Her standout performance at the Kenyan Olympic trials was a pivotal moment, where she outpaced world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and fellow Kenyan Jackline Chepkoech to secure her spot for the Paris Games.

In Brussels, Cherotich showcased her resilience and tactical acumen. Facing a world-class field, including the overwhelming favorite Yavi, she employed bold tactics and relentless determination to navigate the race.

Her strategic approach, particularly during the final water jump, allowed her to maintain the lead when it mattered most.

Faith Cherotich outpaced Olympic champion Winfred Yavi in a thrilling race to claim the Diamond League steeplechase title.

For Yavi, Cherotich’s triumph introduces a temporary setback in what has been an extraordinary year.

The Bahraini star, who set an Olympic record of 8:52.76 to win gold in Paris, had been in exceptional form, winning both the Paris and Rome Diamond League meetings.

She even came close to breaking the world record in Rome with an astonishing time of 8:44.39.

Heading into Brussels, Yavi was the clear favorite, but Cherotich’s performance proved that determination and strategy can overcome even the most formidable opponents.