Winfred Yavi, a remarkable steeplechase runner originally from Kenya, has made headlines by winning a gold medal in the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Yavi’s outstanding performance not only earned her the top spot on the podium but also set a new Olympic record with a time of 8:52.76, surpassing the previous record held by Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Her victory is a significant milestone in her athletic career, solidifying her reputation as one of the world’s best steeplechasers.
This achievement in Paris adds to Yavi’s growing list of accolades, including a world championship title earlier this year, further establishing her as a dominant force in the sport.
Representing Bahrain, Yavi will receive a reward of Ksh 53 million for her gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. This substantial compensation is part of Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to invest in and develop its sports program, which has been producing world-class athletes in recent years.
Yavi’s success reflects the support and resources provided by the Bahraini sports system, which has prioritized nurturing and developing talent.
Her journey to representing Bahrain is a unique story. Originally from Kenya, she faced challenges in qualifying for the national team during Kenya’s trials. In a previous interview, Yavi explained her decision to represent Bahrain, saying, “The reason why I didn’t get the chance to represent my country is that I used to go for the Kenyan team trials, and I didn’t qualify, so I just got this like the first priority. Getting Bahrain was my first priority, but I was ready to represent my country.”
Yavi remarked on the fierce competition in Kenya, where many talented athletes make it difficult to secure a spot on the national team. “The competition was stiff; you know in Kenya we have a lot of athletes, and getting the chance to get into the Kenyan athletics team is hard. You can be part of the team, but you will find them selecting like two people only. If you are in position three or four, you are going to miss,” she said.
Despite her dedication and hard work, Yavi was never given the opportunity to represent Kenya. “I had worked hard and did thorough training, but I missed out. That is how I got the chance to represent Bahrain, and I took it. So, it came like a first priority,” she stated.
