Winfred Yavi Breaks Olympic Record in Women's 3000M Steeplechase at 2024 Paris Olympics
Winfred Yavi is a Kenyan-born Bahraini female Athlete who performed a remarkable closing kick to set an Olympic record in the women's 3000 m steeplechase at Paris Olympics Games 2024.
Yavi upset defending Peruth Chemutai, Ugandan Champion Runner in a race to the finish line to add Olympic gold to her global title. She crossed the finish line with arms spread in joy, setting a new Olympic record of eight minutes and 52.76 seconds (8:52.76), before breaking out some dance routines.
Ugandan Runner Peruth Chemutai, devastated, settled for silver, setting a national record of 8:53.34 with the Kenyan Athlete Faith Cherotich taking bronze.
Kenyan long-distance runner Beatrice Chepkoech who is the World record holder dominated the early pace with five athletes still in contention with one lap to go. She dropped to sixth place as Yavi and Chemutai got caught up in a struggle for the line.
Chemutai was still a meter ahead at the final water barrier with Yavi following closely behind. The two were neck-and-neck over the last obstacle until Yavi surged away to claim victory.
Yavi became the third Bahraini Athlete to win an Olympic gold. She finished second to Ruth Jebet in the women's 3000m event at Rio 2016.
Yavi will receive Sh53 million for her gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as is customary in Bahrain.