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Wilfred Yavi quit Kenya for Bahraini and the big difference in rewards for Olympics gold medallists between the two countries tell the whole story.
Kenya has produced numerous track athletes who have made it on the global stage.
Some of these athletes have moved out of the country in search of better opportunities and they have often paid off.
One such athlete is Winfred Yavi of Bahraini, originally from Kenya, who won the gold medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase in a new Olympic record of 8:52.76.
Her choice to represent Bahrain instead of Kenya was driven by the pursuit of better opportunities.
Yavi faced fierce competition in Kenya, where many talented athletes vie for a limited number of spots to major international events.
Despite her rigorous training and dedication, Yavi often missed out on representing her country due to the high level of competition.
Seeking a chance to compete at the highest level, she switched allegiance to Bahrain at the age of 15, a move that provided her with more opportunities and visibility on the global stage.
For her gold medal, Yavi is set to receive a substantial reward from Bahrain; $400,000 (Ksh53 million). This reward structure reflects Bahrain's commitment to investing in its athletes and incentivising their success on the world stage.
Beatrice Chebet’s reward
Beatrice Chebet, who won Kenya's first gold medal in the women’s 5000m, is also set to enjoy significant rewards.
In addition to the $50,000 (Ksh6.5 million) prize from World Athletics for her gold medal, Chebet will receive Ksh3 million (approximately $20,000) from the Kenyan government.
This reward is part of Kenya’s scheme to honour its Olympic champions, although it is notably less than Bahrain’s prize.
Comparative analysis
The stark contrast in rewards highlights differing approaches to athlete compensation and motivation between the two countries.
Bahrain’s generous prize of Ksh53 million significantly surpasses Kenya’s Ksh3 million reward.
This difference underscores Bahrain’s substantial investment in its athletes, aiming to attract and retain top talent by offering attractive financial incentives.
While both Winfred Yavi and Beatrice Chebet have achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the financial rewards they receive reflect the differing priorities and investment levels of their respective countries.
Bahrain’s substantial prize for Yavi highlights its strategy to enhance its athletics programme, while Kenya’s rewards for Chebet, though smaller, still recognise and celebrate the achievements of its athletes.
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