But who is this petite athlete who many Kenyans are now commiserating about over her running for another country?
Let's begin below:
Winfred Mutile Yavi switched her allegiance to Bahrain at the young age of 15, seeking better opportunities in athletics.
Yavi explained that her decision to represent Bahrain stemmed from a deep desire to compete at the highest level, a chance that was often elusive in Kenya.
“I didn’t get the chance to represent Kenya… I used to go to trials and I wasn’t always able to qualify,” Yavi explained in a past interview.
Despite her dedication and rigourous training, the competitive landscape in Kenya posed significant challenges.
With numerous talented athletes vying for limited spots, only a few were selected for major international events. “The competition was stiff, and in Kenya, we always have a lot of athletes. In most cases, only two athletes are selected for major events. I was ready to represent Team Kenya but I always missed out most of the time,” she said.
One particular instance that deeply affected her was in 2016 when, despite her best efforts and thorough preparation, she did not secure a place in the team.
“I remember in 2016 when I missed out…it pained me a lot. I had done my training very well and I was hopeful of a better outcome, but the results did not come. That’s how I got the chance to run for Bahrain,” Yavi recalled.
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