Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Winfred Yavi stunned the athletics world by setting a new one-mile steeplechase world record at the Diamond League Meeting in Brussels. Competing on Friday night, Yavi dominated the inaugural event, finishing in a remarkable 4:40.13, leaving her rivals trailing. American Angelina Ellis claimed second place in 4:46.74, while Olivia Gurth completed the podium in 4:51.87.
After the race, Yavi expressed both joy and surprise at her performance, acknowledging that while she had hoped to run an even faster time, the achievement still marked a significant milestone. She described the one-mile distance as “unusual,” noting that it felt more challenging than the traditional 3000m steeplechase. “I had to adjust my jumps as I ran faster towards the steeple. It felt harder than the 3000m, but I managed to push my limits,” she explained.
Yavi highlighted the importance of her training and technical improvements this season, emphasizing the focus she and her coach placed on enhancing her jumping technique. Her preparation has clearly paid off, as she continues to demonstrate remarkable versatility and resilience on the track.
The world record comes after a season of strong performances. Yavi began her 2025 campaign with consecutive second-place finishes in Doha and Oslo before securing her first win of the year at the Prefontaine Classic. She followed this with another victory at the Night of Athletics, showcasing a steady improvement in both speed and stamina.
Looking ahead, Yavi is turning her attention to the World Championships in Tokyo, where she aims to defend her world title. She won her first global title in Budapest in 2023 and remains determined to return to the top of the podium. “I’m going back home to continue training and refining my jumps. The competition in Tokyo will be fierce, but I will do whatever it takes to win a medal,” she said.
With her world record performance in Brussels, Winfred Yavi has firmly established herself as a dominant force in the steeplechase. Her ability to combine speed, technique, and tactical intelligence positions her as one of the most exciting athletes to watch as she prepares for the global championships.
