Bahrain’s Winfred claims solid season-ending finish

TDT | Manama                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahraini elite athlete Winfred Yavi narrowly missed out on a spectacular double at the Weltklasse Diamond League event held in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting was the season-ending round of the 2022 World Athletics Diamond League, and Winfred just came shy of taking the victory in the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase—both in the race as well as for the season’s title. The 22-year-old headed into the event as the top qualifier on the steeplechase standings, just two points ahead of Werkuha Getachew of Ethiopia.

But at the finale it was her chief rival who claimed the victory, thus securing the season’s Diamond League crown. Winfred was in the lead at the bell, but just like at the world championships earlier this year, she stumbled at the final barrier.

She thus lost her momentum and Getachew took full advantage. She crossed the finish line in first place with a time of nine minutes 03.57 seconds, while Winfred followed close behind in 9:04.47. Faith Cherotich of Kenya came third in 9:06.14. There were a total of 11 runners in the event. Despite missing out on the double, Winfred remained upbeat and said that her season-ending race was another learning opportunity.

“I can’t complain, I am keeping calm,” she said. “Closing the season in a style! Going back for rest. “Jumping has been a problem for a long time, but I believe practice makes perfect. I almost got it but I had a poor clearance of the barrier, losing my momentum. “Okay, alright! Moreover, we learn through mistakes and this is sport.” Winfred is already looking ahead towards next season. “Can’t wait and see myself bounce back for 2023,” she said.

“Thank you to my great supporters, thank you to my coach Kilonzo and technical coach Saadshadad. “I can’t get enough to thank our Bahrain federation, my management, my family and my true friends. “I am happy on the steps I am making with my career and I believe there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.” Winfred was the only Bahraini athlete to qualify for the final of this season’s World Athletics Diamond League.