Yavi Books Spot in Tokyo Worlds Steeplechase Final

Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, the reigning world and Olympic champion in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, comfortably advanced to the final at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo.

Racing in heat two at Japan’s National Stadium, Yavi clocked 9:15.63 to secure automatic qualification (Q). The Bahraini star kept her composure throughout, running smoothly behind the leaders and ensuring her place in tomorrow’s title decider, scheduled for 3:57 PM Bahrain time.

Yavi is chasing a successful defence of her global crown after winning gold at the 2023 World Championships in Doha, where she powered to one of the finest performances of her career. She added the Olympic title in Paris last summer, confirming her dominance in the event.

Strong Field Awaits

In total, 16 athletes advanced across the three heats. Among the other big names through to the final are Peruth Chemutai of Uganda (9:07.68); Kenya’s Doris Lemngole (9:08.97) and Faith Cherotich (9:13.95); Ethiopia’s Lomi Muleta (9:12.20 SB) and Sembo Almayew (9:15.84); Germany’s Lea Meyer (9:13.18) and two-time world medallist Gesa Felicitas Krause (9:16.76 SB); as well as American pair Kaylee Mitchell (9:15.52) and Angelina Napoleon (9:18.03).

Adekoya Advances in Hurdles

Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Kemi Adekoya progressed to the semi-finals of the women’s 400m hurdles, finishing fourth in her heat in 55.15s to take an automatic qualifying spot. The semi-finals are set for tomorrow at 3:03 PM.

Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser will also be in action today at 3:05 PM, competing in the semi-finals of the women’s 400 metres at the World Championships after finishing with the fastest time across all heats on Sunday.