Daisy Jepkemei completed the obstacle course wearing only one shoe. © ANSA / FRANCK ROBICHON

With only one shoe: This woman is the silent World Cup heroine

She fought selflessly to the finish line with only one shoe: Daisy Jepkemei of Kazakhstan had reason to be proud of herself at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, even without reaching the final. She is the winner of hearts.

September 15, 2025

From: dpa

In her preliminary heat of the 3.000-meter steeplechase, the Asian champion lost her left shoe early on, finishing ninth, but she persevered nonetheless.

Apparently, a competitor had stepped on her heels, causing the shoe to come off. Jepkemei continued trying with the loose spike, but eventually shook it off. A referee removed the yellow-orange shoe shortly afterwards.

Daisy Jepkemei was scarred and defeated by the end. © APA/afp / YUICHI YAMAZAKI

On the rough tartan track, the Kenyan-born athlete with red-painted toenails had to be extremely careful, especially at the water jump. Although she managed to avoid a fall, she was no longer able to continue.