Why ex-Governor Kivutha Kibwana is celebrating Bahraini athlete who beat Kenyans to gold

Yavi put up a spirited fight against her two Kenyan opponents and took to the podium as the youngest-ever athlete to win the 3000m steeple-chase. 

2019 World Champion Beatrice Chepkoech and world under-20 champion Faith Cherotich won silver and bronze. 

Yavi, who was born in Kenya, but opted to run for Bahrain, attracted the attention of Kibwana, who took pride in the fact that she was born in Makueni County. 

Kibwana was particularly thrilled that an initiative he launched while he was governor, saw Yavi benefit from the Makueni County talent center (Ngakaa).

"I am absolutely thrilled to send out my heartfelt congratulations to the Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete, Winfred Mutile Yavi. It's awe-inspiring to know that Yavi's journey in sports was nurtured and honed at the Makueni County Talent Center (Ngakaa), an initiative that I, along with the community, had the privilege to launch during my tenure as the governor of Makueni County," Kibwana said. 

He added: "Her educational path led her through Luani Secondary School in Makueni and Kwanthanze Secondary School in Machakos, shaping her into the remarkable athlete she is today. Yavi's success truly exemplifies the power of dedication, hard work, and the support of a community. Here's to celebrating her outstanding achievement on the global stage!"