Wanyonyi, Cherotich and Chepchirchir clinch Diamond League titles
Kenya's Faith Cherotich celebrate after winning the 3000m Steeple Chase Women event of the Diamond League athletics meeting "Weltklasse" at the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, on August 28, 2025. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
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Wanyonyi, who heads to the Tokyo World Championships in just over two weeks, had to go to the well to stay ahead of the hard-charging Briton on the homestretch, and in the end he had just enough in the tank to take the win in 1:42.37 to Burgin’s 1:42.42.
Reigning Diamond League Trophy champion Marco Arop of Canada timed 1:42.57 to complete the podium.
Wanyonyi’s victory spearheaded a historic night for Kenya, which saw the team secure three Diamond League trophies and a silver medal, showcasing a generational blend of Olympic champions and fearless teenagers.
Olympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich reaffirmed her place at the top of the 3000m steeplechase, successfully defending her title with a commanding 8:57.24.
Trained by Bernard Rono at the Kalyet Athletics Training Centre in Kipkelion, Kericho County, the former world U20 champion outclassed Kenyan-born Norah Jeruto running for Kazakhstan (9:10.87) and Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani (9:12.03).
Coach Rono praised her focus, saying: “We had targets, and the Diamond League trophy was the agenda. Now we have a few days to firm our regimen, and we’ll give it a shot at the World Championships.”
Nelly Chepchirchir, mentored by 800m great Janeth Jepkosgei, lit up the women’s 1500m, producing a stunning last-lap charge to snatch her first Diamond League trophy.
She clocked 3:56.99 after dramatically overhauling Australia’s Jess Hull, who had led for most of the race but faltered in the home straight.
Seventeen-year-old Edmund Serem, younger brother of Olympian and 2024 Diamond Trophy winner Amos Serem, proved Kenya’s depth with a fearless run in the men’s steeplechase.
The youngster clocked 8:09.96 for silver, just behind Germany’s Frederik Ruppert (8:09.02). Serem, already in Team Kenya’s Tokyo Worlds squad, showed he’s ready to challenge the very best.
Kenya’s three Diamond League crowns capped a spectacular Zurich finale, sending a clear warning shot ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo.
With Wanyonyi leading the charge, Cherotich cementing her dominance, and Chepchirchir emerging as a new force, Kenya’s distance dynasty is firmly in the hands of both proven champions and rising stars.
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