In Paris, world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and youngster Faith Cherotich advanced to the Paris Olympics 3000m steeplechase final on Sunday at the Stade de France. However, fellow Kenyan representative Jackeline Chepkoech stumbled in her heat and missed out on qualification.
Reigning champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda also secured her spot in the final, as did world champion and Kenyan-born Bahraini Winfred Mutile Yavi, setting up a potentially explosive showdown on Tuesday at 21:14 Kenyan time.
Debutant Cherotich, who is also a world bronze medalist, was the first Kenyan to compete. The youngster kept pace with champion Chemutai, finishing second in 9:10.57 in the first heat, just behind the Ugandan, who clocked 9:10.51.
Inspired by Cherotich’s performance, world champion Chepkoech dominated from start to finish in the third heat, winning in 9:13.56 ahead of France’s Alice Finot, who recorded 9:14.78.
World champion Yavi, who stayed behind the leading pack until the last lap, comfortably won the second heat in 9:15.11, ahead of Ethiopian Sembo Almayew and American Valarie Constien.
Kenya’s Jackeline Chepkoech finished last in her heat, missing out on a place in the final. Notably, Kenya has not won gold in this distance since it was added to the Olympics at the 2008 Games in Beijing.
