Kenyan born Bahraini Winfred Mutile Yavi went to history books when she gifted her country the first ever gold medal in the women 3000m steeplechase rcae at the World Athletics Championships held on the final day in Budapest, Hungary.
Yahi who finished fourth in 2019 and again in 2022, ran a tactical race with patience being her key virtue behind experienced defending champion and Record holder over the distance Beatrice Chepkoech, The 23 year-old waited until the final 150m mark to pull away from the Kenyan with a powerful kick that Kenyan could not respond to claim her countries first ever gold medal in a world leading time of 8:54.29 which also placed her as the fifth fastest athlete in the World.
“I knew I had the power to kick on the last lap. It was perfect timing for me. I have never felt like this before. After finishing fourth at the past two world championships, the gold medal gives me additional motivation to work hard.” Said Yavi.
Kenya’s race favorite Chepkoech settled for silver in 8:58.98 with her compatriot Faith Cherotich who was making her senior debut, wrapping up the podium three finishes in a time of 9:00.69.
Kenya’s Jackline Chepkoech who came to this event with the fastest time this year, never lived to her expectations as she faded away and finished in seventh place in 9:14.72.
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