The millions Kenyan-born Winfred Yavi will pocket after setting Olympic record in 3000m steeplechase

The millions Kenyan-born Winfred Yavi will pocket after setting Olympic record in 3000m steeplechase

Festus Chuma 11:30 - 07.08.2024

Kenyan-born Bahraini Winfred Yavi won Olympic gold in 3000m steeplechase setting a record and earning significant rewards from Bahrain.

Kenyan-born Bahraini Winfred Yavi is set to earn Ksh 59.5 million ($470,000) following her monumental victory at the Paris Olympics, where she captured the gold in the women’s 3,000 meters steeplechase, setting a new Olympic record.

Yavi’s performance not only brought her glory on the world stage but also significant financial rewards.

On a remarkable Tuesday evening, Yavi stormed to victory with a time of 8 minutes 52.76 seconds outpacing her rivals in a fiercely competitive race.

Her explosive final sprint was a sight to behold as she overtook Uganda's Peruth Chemutai, the defending champion, who led the race until the last moments but ultimately secured the silver medal.

Yavi’s victory was particularly sweet as it added the Olympic title to her already impressive resume, which includes last year’s world championship.

Her win in Paris is decorated further by her new Olympic record, surpassing the previous best in this category.

World Athletics contributes a significant portion of her earnings, awarding $50,000 to each Olympic gold medalist.

However, the bulk of Yavi's financial gain comes courtesy of the Bahraini government, which has promised her an additional Ksh 53 million ($419,000) in recognition of her outstanding achievement.

This generous reward reflects the high value placed on athletic success in Bahrain particularly when it comes to international competitions.

Winfred Yavi's journey to Olympic gold is as compelling as her final sprint.

Born in Kenya, the 24-year-old athlete now represents Bahrain, a decision that mirrors the path of other Kenyan-born athletes who have found success while competing for the Middle Eastern country.

Yavi is the second Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete to win Olympic gold, following in the footsteps of Ruth Jebet, who triumphed in 2016.

The race itself was a rollercoaster, with several lead changes that captivated the audience.

Kenya’s Faith Cherotich, only 20 years old and making her Olympic debut, took home the bronze, adding to the drama of the event.

Meanwhile, Beatrice Chepkoech, another Kenyan favorite and the world record holder, led early but faded in the final lap to finish sixth.