TOKYO2025: Cheruiyot lands bronze as Kenya’s wait for men's 1,500m gold drags on
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 17.09.25. | 17:00
Defending champion Josh Kerr picked up an injury early in the race after a collision with an opponent
Kenya’s hopes of reclaiming the men’s 1500m crown at the World Athletics Championships were put on hold after two of the finalists failed to mine gold at the Japan National Stadium.
Reynold Cheruiyot, who enjoyed the company of the 2019 champion Timothy Cheruiyot, was the best-placed Kenyan in the final, where he finished third.
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The 2022 World U20 champion, running in only his second senior global final, showed grit and composure, but fell just short in a dramatic race that saw Portugal’s Isaac Nader claim gold in 3:34.10.
Great Britain’s Jake Wightman won silver in 3:34.12, while Reynold closed strongly to secure bronze in 3:34.25.
Kenya last tasted gold in this event at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, when Timothy delivered a memorable victory.
This time, however, the former champion could not replicate his past heroics, finishing fourth in 3:34.50 despite leading briefly inside the final 400m.
The race unfolded with Netherlands’ Niels Laros setting the early pace, followed closely by Wightman and Spain’s Adrián Ben.
Reynold and Timothy stayed tucked in the chasing pack, carefully monitoring the leaders.
By 800m, Timothy had pushed into second while Reynold hovered around third and fourth, conserving his energy for the latter stages.
At the 1100m mark, Timothy seized the lead, sparking roars from the Kenyan fans, but the effort proved costly as Wightman and Nader surged past in the final lap.
Reynold, who had dropped to sixth at one point, launched his trademark late kick, overtaking several rivals to claw back into medal contention.
In the final straight, Nader held firm against Wightman’s charge to seal gold, while Reynold’s gallant sprint was enough for third place, his first senior world medal.
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