Cherotich, 22, has grown into one of Kenya’s, and the world’s, most electrifying water-and-barrier specialists since bursting onto the international scene at the 2021 World Under-20 Championships.
At the junior championships staged in Nairobi, Cherotich announced her arrival by claiming bronze in 9:44.76. She finished behind compatriot Jackline Chepkoech, who struck gold in 9:27.40, while Ethiopia’s Zerfe Wondemagegn settled for silver in 9:35.22.
At the 2022 World Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, Cherotich underlined her immense potential by storming to the title in a championship-winning time of 9:16.14. She graduated to the senior ranks at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where she claimed bronze in 9:00.69 behind Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi (8:54.29) and Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech (8:58.98).
Cherotich followed that up with another Olympic bronze at the Paris 2024 Games, clocking 8:55.15 behind Yavi (8:52.76) and Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai (8:53.34).
Her golden breakthrough at the senior level finally arrived last year at the World Championships in Tokyo, where she produced a masterclass to win the world title in 8:51.59.
Yavi claimed silver in 8:56.46, while Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew completed the podium with bronze in 8:58.86. Cherotich heads into the Glasgow steeplechase showdown as the overwhelming favourite and will be joined by compatriot Celestine Biwott as Kenya hunts another Commonwealth title.
Meanwhile, World 800m champion Lilian Odira will be aiming to book her place in the women’s two-lap final when she lines up in the first semi-final at 10.06 pm.
Odira advanced after winning her opening-round heat in 2:01.05, finishing ahead of Wales’ Isabelle Boffey (2:01.53) and Jamaica’s Kelly-Ann Beckford (2:01.63).
Despite her commanding performance, Odira admitted the opening race was far from straightforward due to the chilly conditions. “The race was not easy. My body responded well despite the weather here; it was really cold.
“The main target was to make the semis, and I am glad I did.”
Odira said the Commonwealth Games are serving as an important stepping stone towards the World Ultimate Championships scheduled for September in Budapest, Hungary. “The Commonwealth Games are a build-up for the World Ultimate Championships.”
While treating the championships as part of her preparations, Odira insisted she is determined to leave a lasting impression on her Commonwealth debut.
“I am here to make a statement because this is my debut, so definitely I will be chasing a medal if I make the finals.”
In the first semi-final, Odira is expected to face stiff competition from South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso and St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Shafiqua Maloney.
Elsewhere during the morning session on day three, the Kenyan trio of Timothy Cheruiyot, Reynold Cheruiyot and Brian Komen will toe the line in the men’s mile heats at 1.05 pm.
At 1.32 pm, Zablon Ekwam and Elkana Sabila will take to the blocks for the men’s 200m heats. Hurdler Kipkorir Rotich will kick off Kenya’s evening campaign in the men’s 400m hurdles at 9.33 pm before attention shifts to the eagerly anticipated steeplechase and 800m contests later in the night.
