Unstoppable: Celebrating Africa’s Stalwart Steeplechasers

Welcome to the Podium Pursuit Athlete Showcase series, where we shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent of African athletes who are making their mark on the world stage. From the tracks to the fields, and everywhere in between, these athletes are not just competitors, but ambassadors of their nations, embodying the spirit of determination, resilience, and excellence. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, delve into their journeys, and explore the inspiring stories behind their pursuit of podium glory.

Our attention turns to the electrifying domain of 3000-meter steeplechasers, as we delve into the unveiling of the African Sport Ventures Group’s latest African Athlete Rankings. From the heart-pounding races to the nail-biting finishes, these remarkable athletes embody the essence of excellence, inspiring generations with their relentless pursuit of greatness.

Beatrice Chepkoech

Beatrice Chepkoech reigns supreme as the foremost African Women steeplechaser, showcasing unparalleled mastery in the 3000 meters steeplechase discipline.

Her illustrious career is punctuated by an array of glittering achievements, including gold medal triumphs at the 2019 World Championships and 2018 African Championships, underscoring her dominance on the global stage. Chepkoech’s prowess extends beyond the steeplechase, with notable successes in the 1500 meters, including a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the 2015 African Games, highlighting her versatility as an athlete.

Notably, Chepkoech etched her name in the annals of history by shattering the world record for the 3000 meters steeplechase with a breathtaking time of 8:44.32, achieved in Monaco in 2018—a feat that saw her become the first woman to break the 8:50 and 8:45 barriers in the event, setting a new standard of excellence. Her dominance is further exemplified by her status as a two-time 3000 meters steeplechase Diamond League champion and winner of two Kenyan national titles, solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the track.

As we marvel at her extraordinary achievements, Beatrice Chepkoech stands as a beacon of inspiration, embodying the relentless pursuit of greatness and the indomitable spirit of athletic excellence.

Faith Cherotich

In the formidable shadow of Beatrice Chepkoech, Faith Cherotich emerges as a rising star, claiming the esteemed second spot in the rankings.

Despite her youth, Cherotich’s meteoric rise in the world of track and field is nothing short of remarkable. At the tender age of 17, she showcased her prodigious talent by clinching the bronze medal at the 2021 World Athletics Under-20 Championships held in Nairobi, hinting at the boundless potential that lay ahead. Undeterred by challenges, Cherotich’s unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence bore fruit a year later, as she ascended to the pinnacle of success by upgrading her bronze to a resplendent gold at the World U20 Championships in Cali.

Her triumph not only underscored her remarkable skill and athleticism but also solidified her status as one of the most promising young talents in the sport.

As Faith Cherotich continues to chart her path to greatness, her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream.

Peruth Chemutai

Peruth Chemutai secures the prestigious third spot in the African rankings for the women’s steeplechase category, showcasing her exceptional talent and remarkable achievements on the track.

Hailing from Uganda, Chemutai has etched her name in the annals of history with her extraordinary performances. Her crowning moment came at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where she made history by clinching the gold medal in the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase—an achievement that not only earned her personal glory but also marked a historic milestone as the first Ugandan woman ever to claim an Olympic medal.

Chemutai’s triumph exemplifies her unwavering dedication and tireless pursuit of excellence, inspiring a nation and leaving an indelible mark on the global stage. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the Ugandan record holder for both the 3000 meters steeplechase and the 5-kilometer road race, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Ugandan athletics.

As Peruth Chemutai continues to scale new heights and inspire generations with her remarkable feats, her journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.

Samuel Firewu

Samuel Firewu, born in 2004, currently holds the prestigious number 1 spot on the African men’s rankings, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the 3000-meter steeplechase.

His remarkable journey to the pinnacle of success commenced with a standout fourth-place finish in the Men’s 3000 meters steeplechase at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, where he first captured global attention with his raw talent and determination.

March 2022 marked a pivotal moment in Firewu’s career as he clinched his maiden senior title at the Ethiopian Athletics Championships in Addis Ababa, announcing his arrival on the international stage with aplomb. Undeterred by challenges, Firewu continued to leave an indelible mark throughout 2022, securing a silver medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, and achieving a commendable fifth-place finish at the African Championships in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The following year, 2023, witnessed Firewu’s relentless pursuit of excellence as he shattered personal barriers, setting a new personal best time of 8:10.57 at the prestigious Diamond League event in Monaco while proudly representing Ethiopia at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

His illustrious journey culminated in 2024 with a resounding gold medal victory at the African Games in March and another remarkable personal best of 8:07.25 at the esteemed Doha Diamond League event in May.

With an extraordinary string of victories and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Samuel Firewu continues to soar to unprecedented heights in the dynamic realm of track and field athletics, inspiring athletes worldwide with his remarkable talent and resilience.

Abraham Kibiwot

Abraham Kibiwot, currently holding the esteemed second spot on the rankings, boasts an impressive athletic journey marked by tenacity and notable achievements.

His ascent to prominence commenced with a stellar performance at the 2013 African Youth Athletics Championships, where he showcased his potential with a commendable fifth-place finish in the fiercely competitive 2000 meters steeplechase event.

The year 2015 proved to be a watershed moment for Kibiwot as he emerged victorious in both the Kenyan junior trials and the prestigious 2015 African Junior Athletics Championships, triumphing over formidable opponents including Ethiopia’s reigning Youth Olympic champion in Addis Ababa. His remarkable season culminated with a personal best of 8:22.10 minutes at the esteemed London Diamond League meet, solidifying his status as one of the most promising under-20 athletes of the year, second only to fellow Kenyan Nicholas Kiptanui Bett.

Kibiwot’s transition to the senior ranks in the 2016 season was marked by notable achievements, including a remarkable third-place finish in Doha with a personal best of 8:09.25 minutes, followed by a series of impressive performances on the prestigious 2016 IAAF Diamond League circuit.

Despite facing challenges, Kibiwot’s resilience and determination propelled him to secure a bronze medal at the 2016 African Championships in Athletics, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career and solidifying his position as one of Africa’s most formidable steeplechasers.

Getnet Wale

Getnet Wale, securing the esteemed third spot on the African rankings, stands as a formidable presence in the world of track and field athletics, with a distinguished list of accolades that attest to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

His remarkable journey to athletic excellence reached new heights with a commendable fourth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, followed by consecutive fourth-place finishes at the 2019 and 2022 World Athletics Championships, where he showcased his remarkable skill and resilience on the global stage.

Wale’s prowess extends beyond mere podium finishes, as evidenced by his silver medal triumph at the 2019 African Games and a bronze at the 2018 African Championships in Athletics, underscoring his consistency and ability to excel in high-stakes competitions.

The foundation of Wale’s illustrious career was laid with bronze medals at both the 2016 and 2018 World Under-20 Championships, serving as a testament to his exceptional talent from a young age. In a defining moment of his career, Wale ascended to the pinnacle of success in 2019, clinching the prestigious Diamond League 3,000 meters steeplechase title, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite athletes.

Notably, Wale holds the distinction of being the current Ethiopian record holder in the indoor 3,000 meters, a testament to his enduring legacy and unmatched skill on the track.

With a formidable array of achievements and an insatiable drive for excellence, Getnet Wale continues to inspire admiration and awe, representing the epitome of athletic excellence in the dynamic world of track and field athletics.

Brought to you by

PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-led and Sports Tech business founded in 2016 with a focus on enabling African Athletes to perform on the World Stage.

It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues, and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.

ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes in 2024 by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans, and the brands that support them.