Paris 2024: Chepkoech sets stage for another showdown with Bahrain's Yavi

Kenya's Beatrice Chepkoech crosses the finish line to win the women's 3000m steeplechase heat on Sunday. [AFP]

Fireworks are expected in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final that will see four champions battle for Olympics glory at the Stade de France on Tuesday night 10.14pm.

As expected, the three heats yesterday were largely tactical affairs with no major contenders exiting early, setting up one of the most anticipated showdowns at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Kenyan duo of world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and U20 World champion Faith Cherotich now face stiff competition from reigning Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda and world champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain.

Chepkoech sent an early warning to her rivals as she overcame illness to lead from the gun to finish in heat three with a time of 9:13.56.

“It’s all about trying your best. I was not feeling good for the last three weeks. I have gone through a lot because I had pneumonia, and I wasn’t expecting to qualify because I hurt my shin during training on Monday. So, I just came to try my luck and I’m I have made it to the final,” said Chepkoech.

Though the final is full of world beaters, Chepkoech remains unfazed as she aims to make the impossible possible.

“Of course the final is going to be tough, and no one is going to give up. It also depends on how I will wake up on the final day. But everything is in control and I will try my best,” said Chepkoech. Asked if she will deploy the same strategy in the final, she said: “I just wanted to try and see how my body was going to react, and I think all went well. But I can’t say I will use the same strategy in the final.”

It was the same scenario for Uganda’s Chemutai as she took control of the first heat, crossing the finish line in 9:10.51.

2023 world bronze medallist Faith Cherotich posted 9:10.57 to finish second while Felistas Krause was third in 9:10.68. Unlike Chepkoech and Chemutai, Yavi tactically came from the back to win the second heat in 9:15.11 ahead of Ethiopian Sembo Almayew.

Kenya’s Jackline Chepkoech failed to qualify from the same heat after finishing last.

Even as she draws inspiration from her mentor Faith Kipyegon who will compete in the 5000m final tonight (10.15pm), youthful Cherotich says she is not under any pressure to deliver a medal in the final.

Kipyegon faces stiff competition from reigning champion Sifan Hassan, 10,000m world record holder Beatrice Chebet, Margaret Chelimo and Gudaf Tsegay.

“It has been a good race. It is a dream come true to qualify for the finals on my Olympics debut. I just pray to God to guide me in the final,” said Cherotich.

“I raced well at the World Championships and I performed well, and I’m now getting used to competing with senior athletes. I don’t fear them anymore.

“Faith (Kipyegon) really motivated me the way she raced in her semis.”

She added: “They almost boxed me but I had to outsmart them with a kick at the water barrier.”