‘We don’t have to trash Kenya after Yavi’s win’ – Passaris tells fans
By Amanga Collins, August 7, 2024
Nairobi County representative Esther Passaris has called on fans to refrain from criticizing Kenya while celebrating Winfred Yavi Mutile’s recent victory.
Yavi, a Kenyan-born athlete representing Bahrain, won the gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase final at Stade de France on Tuesday evening, setting a new Olympic record.
Yavi beat Cherotich
She finished ahead of former World Under-20 champion Faith Cherotich, who clocked a season-best time of 8:55.15 to secure third place in the event.
Yavi’s victory has sparked criticism online, as some fans have pointed out that she was born in Makueni County but never had the opportunity to represent Kenya, prompting her switch to Bahrain.
In response to this backlash, Passaris spoke on the importance of recognizing Yavi’s achievements without disparaging her home country.
“While we celebrate Winfred Mutile Yavi, who was born and raised in Makueni County, for winning a gold medal for Bahrain, we don’t have to trash Kenya, Yavi’s motherland. She has openly admitted that meeting the qualification threshold to represent Kenya is highly competitive. Kenya provided the competition that enabled her to train harder and thrive in her craft. Let’s be positive and appreciate her for finding better opportunities elsewhere,” Passaris stated.
She also urged the Sports Cabinet Secretary nominee, Kipchumba Murkomen, to take note of such cases to prevent similar situations in the future.
“Hon. Kip Murkomen, kindly take note of such cases if approved. Our sportsmen and women need more motivation and recognition,” she added.
A historic 3000m steeplechase final ‼️
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 6, 2024
For the first time in history 4 women go sub-9 minutes in the same race.
🥇 8:52.76 Yavi Winfred OR 🇧🇭
🥈 8:53.34 Peruth Chemutai NR 🇺🇬
🥉 8:55.15 Faith Cherotich PB 🇰🇪
🇫🇷's Alice Finot smashes the European record in 4th place with… pic.twitter.com/43NRrJeCkl
Yavi, hailing from Ukia in Makueni County, has an impressive athletic career. She won the gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, defeating Beatrice Chepkoech of Kenya, and finished fourth at both the 2019 and 2022 World Athletics Championships.
Additionally, she clinched gold at the 2018 Asian Games and earned multiple medals at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships, including gold in the 5000 meters and the 3000m steeplechase, as well as bronze in the 1500 meters.
Yavi transfer
Yavi transferred her allegiance to Bahrain at the age of 15 and became eligible to compete for her adopted nation in August 2016.
She made her World Championships debut in 2017 at just 17 years old, finishing eighth in the steeplechase final with a personal best time of 9:22.67.