Bahrain's Winfred fastest qualifier for Steeplechase final

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi put in a spectacular performance in challenging conditions to win her Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase heat yesterday and advance to the event’s final at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Winfred lived up to her tag as one of the pre-race favourites as she paced herself amongst a leading group of three for much of the run before charging to the front at the bell.

She completed her heat in nine minutes 10.80 seconds for first place in the 14-athlete field. It was also the fastest time of all competitors in the Steeplechase’s three heats. “Am grateful for today’s race!” said an elated Winfred afterwards. “I just felt relaxed.Am ready for the final.

” The 21-year-old now hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Bahraini Ruth Jebet in winning the Olympic gold in the event. Jebet claimed the title at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, which is one of only two gold medals ever won at the Games by Bahrain.

Peruth Chemutai of Uganda followed Winfred in second place in 9:12.72, while Emma Coburn of the US finished third in 9:16.91. Along with Winfred, both were automatic qualifiers for the Steeplechase’s medal round, which is scheduled for Wednesday. Genevieve Lalonde of Canada was also through as the fastest loser after going fourth in the race.

The others to qualify from the other heats were Courtney Frerichs and Valerie Constien from the US; Gesa Felicias Krause of Germany; reigning world champion Beatrice Chepkoech and Hyvin Kiyeng of Kenya; Zerfe Wondemagegn and Mekides Abebe of Ethiopia; Marusa Mismas-Zrimsek of Slovenia; Luiza Gega of Albania; Elizabeth Bird of Great Britain and Genevieve Gregson of Australia. There will be no Bahrainis in action today at the track or on the field at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium.

Tomorrow, however, four Bahrainis will be in action, including Al Siddique Mikho in the Men’s 1,500m Heats, Abdelrahman Mahmoud in the Men’s Shot Put Qualification; and Birhanu Balew and Dawit Fikadu in the Men’s 5,000m Heats.