Kenyan-Bahraini athlete Winfred Yavi has arrived in Kenya after gold medal success in the Paris Olympics. Yavi won the medal in 3000 metres women’s steeplechase. An emotional Yavi presented her gold medal to her proud parents.
Yavi, who could not control her tears, was hugged by her parents as they gave her flowers on her arrival. Early this week, Winfred Yavi expressed her joy as she presented her gold medal to the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
“It was an honor to showcase our Olympic Games experiences and medal to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. We are deeply grateful for His Majesty’s continued support.” Yavi said.
Yavi’s gold medal-winning performance of 8:52.76 not only put her on top of the podium but also set a new Olympic record.
She surpassed the previous mark set by Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Yavi took the lead early in the race and kept a consistent pace throughout.
Uganda’s Olympic champion, Peruth Chemutai, battled Yavi hard in the final lap.
Peruth settled for silver with a national record time of 8:53.34.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Faith Cherotich, who had trailed in the early stages, rallied in the closing stretch.
Faith went on win bronze with a personal best time of 8:55.15.
Yavi will receive Ksh 53 million as compensation for her gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as is customary in Bahrain.
Her success in Paris adds to her long list of accomplishments.