The Prefontaine Classic adds a sixth Paris podium rematch to the meeting’s program with the Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase. The star-studded international lineup promises more world-class results at the meet’s 50th edition.
Winfred Yavi (BRN) is the reigning Olympic gold medalist in the women’s steeplechase, and the current world-ranked No. 1 in the event. While Paris brought her her first-ever Olympic medal, Yavi already had global hardware to her name with the 2023 World Athletics Championships title and 2023 Diamond Trophy in the 3,000m steeplechase. Yavi’s best mark of 8:44.39 was set at last summer’s Rome Diamond League meeting, and stands as both the Bahraini national record and the area record. Yavi also owns national records in the indoor 3,000m short track (8:39.64) and 5,000m (14:41.99).
Peruth Chemutai (UGA) is the reigning Olympic silver medalist in the women’s steeplechase, and the current world-ranked No. 2 in the event. A two-time Olympic medalist, Chemutai also won gold in the event at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Pre Classic fans may remember Chemutai from her thrilling victory at the 2024 Pre Classic, where her 8:55.09 set both a new world lead and a Ugandan national record in the event. Chemutai went on to break that national record with her 8:53.34 silver medal performance in Paris, then again just three weeks later with her 8:48.03 run at the Rome Diamond League meeting.
Faith Cherotich (KEN) is the reigning Olympic bronze medalist in the women’s steeplechase, and the current world-ranked No. 3 in the event. Cherotich’s 8:55.15 run for Olympic bronze stands as her personal best mark. Cherotich is the reigning Wanda Diamond League champion for the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, earning her first-ever Diamond Trophy at the 2024 Diamond League Final. Cherotich owns more global hardware from the 2023 World Athletics Outdoor Championships Budapest23, where she earned a bronze medal; and the 2021 and 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships, where she earned bronze and gold medals, respectively.
The 50th edition of The Prefontaine Classic will be held on Saturday, July 5 at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Tickets start at just $35 and may be purchased at PreClassic.com (PreClassic.com/tickets). Lexus Legacy Experience VIP packages, which can be purchased in addition to an event ticket, are on sale now at PreClassic.com (PreClassic.com/vip).
Athlete fields are being updated on an ongoing basis. All athletes currently confirmed to compete at this year’s Pre Classic can be viewed at PreClassic.com (PreClassic.com/schedule).
By Amos Amoako
