Bahrain’s newly crowned world champion sets sights on breaking world record

After Zurich, she is set to compete in this year’s Diamond League finale in Eugene, Oregon, in the US, in mid-September.

Then, she will go directly to Hangzhou, China, to fly the Kingdom’s flag at the 19th Asian Games, where she will be aiming for a fantastic double in both the women’s 3,000m steeplechase and the women’s 1,500m.

With her name now etched amongst the prestigious list of athletics’ world champions, Winfred is looking forward to the period ahead with even greater confidence and determination.

“Getting the world championship gold medal this year means a lot,” she tells TDT. “I feel I have made a big achievement in my life. I have been working hard trying to get this medal, and I thank God right now. This is a big achievement for me.”

Along with the Hangzhou Asiad, 23-year-old Winfred lists the Paris Olympics in 2024 and a new world record in the steeplechase as her next major targets.

“I’ll be working hard for the Olympics next year and trying to get a medal also this year in the Asian Games,” Winfred says.
While she still has several months to go before the Olympics, Winfred could attack the world record in her coming meetings, and she says that her recent excellent form is an indication that she is capable of breaking it.

Her gold medal-clinching time of eight minutes 54.29 seconds in Budapest on Sunday was not only the world’s fastest time of 2023, but it was also the fourth-quickest all time and also a new personal best.

The world record is currently 8:44.32, set in 2018 by Kenyan Beatrice Chepkoech, who Winfred beat to the world title this week.

“My time means that I am in the right progression in what I have been doing,” explains Winfred. “Getting my new personal best makes me believe more in myself and encourages me to work harder. It shows that I am capable of maybe doing a world record. I feel like I have the energy and I feel like I can do more with that time.”

Winfred credits her coach Gregory Kilonzo in helping her achieve her world title success. She had come close twice in the past, placing fourth in the steeplechase final in the previous two athletics worlds in 2019 and last year.

“I learnt that I have to improve from the mistakes that I used to do in the last world championships,” Winfred recalls. “I had to change the tactics this year; I worked hard on it, and I saw the gold in my sights.

“I am going to continue following what my coach tells me, work hard with my teammates, and work hard every day.”

Winfred praised the BOC and BAA for their unwavering support in her career.

“The Bahrain Olympic Committee and the federation have really helped me a lot,” she says. “They support me fully in my training, and everything I need, they provide.”
Bahrain athletics officials Nasser and Righi can see only a brighter future for Winfred.

“What Winfred did in Budapest is a really big achievement, but there will be even more big achievements to come,” says Nasser. “I know she can do it and she will be amazing.”
Nasser added: “The first time she ran in nine minutes 20 seconds, I was with her, and now she has run eight minutes 54 seconds. I’m really happy for her. She will continue to surprise everyone.”

Righi adds: “Winfred is one of the biggest athletes in the world in the steeplechase. For me, she has potential not only for another major medal, but even for the world record. She has very big capabilities and her progression is very good.”