Faith Cherotich has emerged triumphant at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, delivering a tactical masterclass in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase to secure Kenya’s second gold medal of the competition in record-breaking fashion.
Returning from an early-season injury, the reigning world champion displayed exceptional composure from the gun. She closely shadowed former Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai, who set an aggressive early pace following a dominant Diamond League campaign with victories in Xiamen and Shanghai.
Cherotich remained glued to Chemutai’s hip before seizing control with roughly 600 meters to go. After dictating the tempo through the final turn, Cherotich unleashed a devastating kick on the homestretch, opening up an insurmountable gap to storm across the line in a new Commonwealth Games record of 9:01.76.
Great Britain’s Elise Thorner produced a strong finish to claim silver in a personal best time of 9:05.45, while Chemutai faded late in the stretch to settle for bronze in 9:09.96. Kenya’s Celestine Biwott completed the field in seventh position, stopping the clock at 9:33.61.
