Yavi Strikes Gold in Italy

Bahrain’s Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Winfred Yavi delivered another exceptional performance on the international circuit, winning the women’s 6km race at the Cross di Alà dei Sardi – Memorial Elisa Migliore in Sardinia, Italy, on Sunday.

Competing in her second race of the season, Yavi crossed the line in 20:37, finishing ahead of Burundi’s Francine Nyomukunzi (21:40) and Britain’s Emily Grace Collinge (22:21).

Yavi took the lead early on the rolling Coiluna course, quickly settling into a strong rhythm from the opening kilometres. Nyomukunzi tried to stay within reach, but the Bahraini runner gradually increased the pace and opened daylight by the midpoint of the race. She maintained her form through the final kilometre and powered across the line unchallenged.

The win confirmed Yavi’s status as the standout athlete in a field that included several established European and international competitors. At 26, she is ranked #2 in the world in the 3000m steeplechase. Her achievements include Olympic gold in Paris 2024, a World Championship title, a Diamond League Final win, and a World Championships silver medal, reflecting her strong start to the season.

Her performance in Sardinia demonstrated her readiness for the months ahead. She will next compete at the World Military Cross Country Championships in Trikala, Greece, starting February 25. Later in the year, her focus will shift to the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled for September.

The Cross di Alà dei Sardi is one of Italy’s most established cross-country events, attracting elite runners from across Europe and beyond. Yavi’s victory added another high-profile chapter to the race’s history and reinforced Bahrain’s growing presence on the global athletics stage.