Kingdom’s Olympic champion wins Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza Gold

Bahrain’s Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Winfred Yavi lived up to her status as the pre-race favourite at the 11th World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting, claiming first place in the women’s 7.62km race at the Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza in Elgoibar, Spain yesterday. Yavi crossed the line in 25:23, ahead of Kenya’s Sheila Jebet and Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani, who finished second and third, respectively.

From the opening meters, Yavi surged to the front, asserting control over the race with remarkable speed and endurance. Only Jebet and Bouzayani could initially stay with her, while a chasing pack, including Britain’s Lucy Jones and Kate O’Neill, and Spain’s Isabel Barreiro and Angela Viciosa, trailed by a few seconds. By 2.1km, Bouzayani began to fall behind, and Yavi pulled clear of Jebet before the third kilometre. She continued to extend her lead, covering the penultimate 2.2km loop in 6:57, and crossed the finish line unchallenged, 1:06 ahead of Jebet and 1:25 ahead of Bouzayani.

The 26-year-old Olympic champion, World champion, Diamond League Final winner, and World Championships silver medallist, has been in outstanding form this season, highlighted by a victory in Seville last November and a steeplechase-5000m double at the Islamic Games in Riyadh. “I’m delighted,” said Yavi. “In Elgoibar, the people are so nice, and they make me feel special. I came here very well prepared,d both physically and mentally. Winning here after finishing third years ago is a great success for me.”

The Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza is renowned for its depth, having previously hosted legends such as Haile Gebrselassie, Selemon Barega, and Linet Masai. Yavi’s success in Elgoibar not only speaks to Bahrain’s growing reputation in distance running but also sees her once again representing the kingdom with distinction on the international stage. She will next compete at the World Military Cross Country Championships in Trikala, Greece, at the end of February, continuing her strong season on the global circuit.