Winfred Mutile Yavi, originally from Kenya, was denied the opportunity to join the Kenyan athletics team due to the highly competitive nature of the selection process. Despite her rigorous training and commitment, she often did not make the cut during trials, with a notable disappointment occurring in 2016 when she failed to qualify despite thorough preparation.

The intense competition in Kenya, with many talented athletes vying for limited spots, left her without the chance to represent her home country at major international events.Seeking better opportunities, Yavi switched her allegiance to Bahrain at the age of 15. Since then, she has achieved significant success, including winning the gold medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the 2024 Paris Olympics and setting an Olympic record. Her move was also motivated by the financial incentives and the promise of better prospects in athletics offered by Bahrain.