Why Makueni-Born Olympic Gold Medalist Winfred Yavi Dumped Kenya For Bahrain
On a normal day during the off-season, you might find Winfred Yavi at Ulinzi Sports Complex or Nyayo Stadium, diligently going through her training paces.
With a demeanor that is cool, calm, and composed, Yavi interacts with her training mates in Swahili and even records TikTok videos in the same language. Her ease with the Kenyan culture could easily make one mistake her for a Kenyan.
That’s because she is, indeed, Kenyan by birth. Yet, when it comes to competing in major athletics events, Yavi dons the colors of Bahrain, bringing glory to the Middle Eastern nation.
This was most evident on August 6, when Yavi clinched the gold medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris Olympics, after an electrifying race that was decided in the last 100 meters.
She dethroned the reigning champion, Peruth Chemutai, who took silver, while Faith Cherotich secured bronze.
The phenomenon of athletes switching national allegiances is not new. For Kenya, a country renowned as the hotbed of middle and long-distance running, the competition to represent the nation is extraordinarily fierce.
“I used to go to Kenyan trials, but I didn’t get the chance. In Kenya, we have a lot of athletes, and they select two or three athletes at most. In 2016, I was number three, but they were only taking the top two. So when Bahrain came calling, I took the opportunity,” Yavi explained in a past interview.
"I didn't get the opportunity to represent Kenya," says the Women's 3000m Steeplechase Paris Olympic gold medalist, Winfred Mutile Yavi explaining her decision to run for Bahrain instead of Kenya. #Olympics pic.twitter.com/M98cSOXFEX
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) August 6, 2024
Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi at Ulinzi Complex just before the #Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/fTxL8d3GJI
— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) August 6, 2024
Born in Makueni, Yavi switched her allegiance to Bahrain at the tender age of 15. Now, at 24, she has undoubtedly repaid the faith of her adopted country.
Her accolades are impressive; in addition to her recent Olympic triumph, she won the world title in Budapest last year and clinched the Diamond League trophy. She is also a multiple medalist in Asian and Arab championships, underscoring her dominance and consistency on the track, as documented by World Athletics.
Yavi’s story highlights the incredible talent pool in Kenya and the tough choices athletes sometimes have to make to pursue their dreams. Her success is a testament to her determination and the support she received from Bahrain, making her a proud representative of her adopted nation on the global stage.
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Why Makueni-Born Olympic Gold Medalist Winfred Yavi Dumped Kenya For Bahrain
