Millions Faith Cherotich will pocket after smashing Commonwealth Games record
By Joel Masibo, July 30, 2026Faith Cherotich will receive a Ksh2.5 million cash reward from the Kenyan government after producing a sensational performance to win the women’s 3,000m steeplechase title at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The reigning world champion delivered a commanding display on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, crossing the finish line in 9:01.76 to not only secure the gold medal but also establish a new Commonwealth Games record. Her victory handed Kenya its second gold medal of the championships after Edmund Serem also triumphed in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.
Cherotich, 22, remained patient for most of the race before making her decisive move after the final water jump, accelerating away from her rivals to seal an unforgettable victory.
Australia’s Elise Thorner finished second with a personal-best time of 9:05.45, while Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion who had dictated the early pace, claimed bronze in 9:09.96.
Reacting after her victory, an emotional Cherotich credited both her faith and preparation for the outstanding achievement.
“I’m so happy. I thank God for today’s victory. I was expecting this because I was well prepared, and I’m grateful that I’ve become the winner. I’m really happy.”
Although the Commonwealth Games does not award prize money directly to medal winners, Kenya has an incentive programme that rewards athletes for podium finishes.
Under the government’s policy, gold medalists receive Ksh2.5 million, silver medalists earn Ksh1.5 million, while bronze medalists are awarded Ksh1 million.
As the newly crowned Commonwealth champion, Cherotich will therefore take home Ksh2.5 million in recognition of her record-breaking performance.
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing outing for Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala, whose hopes of retaining the men’s 100m title ended after he finished sixth in his semifinal. The result saw him miss out on the final, denying Kenya the opportunity to defend the sprint crown.
Serem rules Glasgow
Kenyan steeplechase star Edmund Serem, who claimed gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase on Monday, July 27, 2026, celebrated by placing his interlocked fingers over his mouth in tribute to the Swedish forward.
The reigning World Under-20 steeplechase champion stormed to victory in 8:18.23, ahead of compatriots Simon Koech, who claimed silver in 8:18.59, and Leonard Bett, who completed the all-Kenyan podium with bronze in 8:21.63.