Peruth Chemutai produced a wonderful performance to secure a gold medal in the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase final on Wednesday, August 4, at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
Chemutai crossed the finish line in 9:01:45, ahead of USA’s Frerichs Courtney who finished in 9:04:47 and Kenya’s Hyvin Kiyeng who closed the top three at 9:05:39.
World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech of Kenya finished a distant seventh in 9:16:33 while Ethiopia’s Zerfe Wondemagegn came in eighth in a time of 9:16.41.
Chemutia seemed destined for glory from the start of the race after moving close than 10 meters ahead by the second lap, though Courtney was able able to catch up after 1,000m mark.
The Ugandan was able to make a move as the bell rang for the final lap and she chased down Courtney before crossing the line in a new national record and writing herself into the history books.
Chepkoech had warned Kenyans not to expect much from her as she was nursing an injury that disturbed her even during the first round.
“I knew it was going to be difficult for me as I felt a lot of pain during the race. I kept trying my best but in the end, the pain was unbearable but I just had to soldier on,” Chepkoech said after the race.
“I just wanted to run in front to give support to Kiyeng so that we try to win gold, but in the end, we did not manage to. I want to tell Kenyans we tried our best despite the challenges we faced in the race.”
Emma Coburn of the United States was disqualified for what was listed as a lane infringement after finishing behind the field.
Bahrain’s Wilfred Mutile Yavi was 10th in a time of 9:19.74, despite starting the race as one of the favorites to win the title.
