Winfred Yavi shares how she overcame the backlash after declaring her switch to Bahrain

Reigning World 3000m Steeplechase champion Winfred Yavi switched her nationality from Team Kenya to Bahrain and she has admitted that she faced a lot of backlash after making that tough decision.

Yavi added that there was a lot of confusion at the time since everyone was pleading with her not to go or else she might regret her choices.

“It wasn’t easy…it brought a lot of negativity and a lot of problems. I was always being told that I should not go. The negativity was coming from some of my close friends who had also been there.

At the time I wasn’t experienced and I started doubting myself because I had just started training.

I was confused because everyone was coming with their own opinions but my parents and the coach agreed with the idea and I decided to go,” she said as per Mungai Eve Media.

However, most of the time she loves being in Kenya due to the great training conditions that have worked out well for her so far.

Yavi also does not regret her switch to Bahrain citing that she has worked very hard to get to the position she is at the moment and she will continue putting in the work to reign.

“I don’t regret changing my nationality because I have worked very hard to get here. There is a good opportunity there,” she said.

The Diamond League Trophy winner has enjoyed a great 2023 season and she will be hoping to extend her winning streak as she eyes the Olympic Games next year.