Ugandan Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai took a commanding lead in her 3000m steeplechase heat in Paris on Sunday, showcasing a confident performance as she cruised to victory. She maintained her lead throughout the race, comfortably crossing the finish line in 9 minutes, 10.51 seconds, ahead of Kenya’s Faith Cherotich, the 2023 world bronze medalist.
The Kenyan world record holder, Beatrice Chepkoech, also secured her place in the final, showcasing her dominance by winning her heat with ease.
The second heat saw Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, the reigning world champion, employ a different strategy. She patiently waited at the back of the pack before making a decisive move around the halfway mark. Yavi held on strong, ultimately finishing in 9:15.11, ahead of Ethiopian Sembo Almayew.
The final heat witnessed a close battle for second place. With Chepkoech comfortably leading with two laps remaining, the Parisian crowd roared with excitement as France’s Alice Finot edged out Germany’s Lea Meyer in the closing meters.
The final race for the 3000m steeplechase title is scheduled for Tuesday, promising an exciting showdown between these formidable athletes.
