Olympic Games: Faith Cherotich wins bronze in 3000m SC

By Peter Ochieng

Faith Cherotich claimed the 3000m women steeplechase bronze medal at the ongoing Paris Olympic Games on Tuesday night to earn Kenya her 4th medal.

Kenyan born Winfred Yavi Mutile who now features for Bahrain got her moment in the moonlight in Paris, as she claimed gold ahead of defending champion, Ugandan Peruth Chemutai who managed silver.

Yavi clocked an Olympic Record time of 8:52.76 ahead of Chemutai who clinched silver in a national record of 8:53.34, while Cherotich, managed a personal best time of 8:55.15 to emerge third.

“It wasn’t an easy race. I am thankful that I got a place on the podium. I tried my best to go with them at the bell when they added the tempo. I told myself that I had to endure till the end and I am thankful that I got the bronze,” Cherotich told the press after the race.

World Record holder, Kenyan Beatrice Chepkoech was completely locked out.

Chepkoech finished 6th, attributing the poor performance to effects of a bout of pneumonia before the games began 

“I got pneumonia after trrials. I went to the doping room while wet and that affected me. I reported that when I went to camp because I was really coughing. I came in here with the effect of medication and I tried to feel how the body would respond. Running with medication is really tough. I am happy for Cherotich, she fought till the end to ensure we had a medal,” she said.

American Cole Hocker win Gold in 1500m in new Olympic Record of 3:27.65, while Kenya's Timothy Cheruiyot and Brian Komen finished 11th and 12th, respectively, in a night to forget for Kenya.

Kenya's four medal count include two bronze, a silver and a gold medal.