Chemutai set a new national record by finishing the race in 8:53.34 minutes, just behind Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, who secured the gold with an Olympic record time of 8:52.76. Kenya’s Faith Cherotich earned the bronze, completing the race in 8:55.15.
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Chemutai jumping water during the race. Courtesy picture
Middle-distance runner Peruth Chemutai clinched the
silver medal in the women's 3000m steeplechase final on Tuesday night at the
2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The 25-year-old athlete narrowly missed defending the
title she won in Tokyo three years ago but set a new national record by finishing the race
in 8:53.34 minutes, just behind Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, who secured the gold
with an Olympic record time of 8:52.76. Kenya’s Faith Cherotich earned the
bronze, completing the race in 8:55.15.
Chemutai entered the final with high expectations, having
posted the fastest time across all heats with a qualifying time of 9:10.51. She
had led the pack ahead of Faith Cherotich (9:10.57) and Germany’s Gesa
Felicitas Krause, who recorded her season's best of 9:10.68.
But, despite this teaser, she met a strong field in the
final, including World Champion Yavi, who ultimately took gold, and world
record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, who finished sixth as well as Kenya’s Faith
Cherotich who holds the seventh fastest time in the distance.
Chemutai started strong and maintained control for much
of the race. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Yavi overtook her at the
final obstacle and held on to her lead to secure the victory.
Chemutai was attempting to become the first Ugandan to
defend an Olympic title, a feat that has yet to be achieved. Despite her
valiant effort, Yavi's late surge denied Chemutai the historic win.
This silver medal marks Uganda’s second medal at the
ongoing 2024 Paris Olympic Games, following team captain Joshua Cheptegei’s
gold in the 10,000m event.
