Kenya is globally known as an athletics powerhouse. The country has produced legendary athletes and set world records in several disciplines.
As a powerhouse, the country boasts of immense talent in athletics. However, due to the competitive nature of the sport, only a few athletes make the cut for global competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships.
The above factor has prompted some Kenyan-born athletes to change their nationalities to take part in global competitions.
This article outlines 5 Kenyan-born athletes who attained global success after changing their nationalities.
Winfred Yavi
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The 3000m steeplechase runner has been discussed in Kenya since she won a gold medal for Bahrain at the 2024 Olympics.
Yavi, a native of Makueni County, emerged victorious after setting an Olympic record of 8:52.76. She beat a star-studded lineup that included the Kenyan duo of Faith Cherotich, who finished third, and Beatrice Chepkoech, who completed the race at position 6.
During an interview in September 2023, the 24-year-old noted that her dream was to represent Kenya in global competitions, but she needed help securing a spot in the national team.
"I used to go to the Kenya team trials, and I didn't qualify... It was my first priority; I was ready to represent my country. The competition was stiff. I was ready, but I never got a chance," Yavi disclosed.
Yavi changed her nationality in 2014 and started representing Bahrain in 2016. In addition to the 2024 Olympic gold medal, Yavi has won several other races, such as the 2023 She has won several high-profile races, such as the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 Paris Diamond League series, among others.
Ruth Jebet
Jebet switched her nationality from Kenya to Bahrain in February 2013 when she was 16 years old.
In 2014, at 17 years old, she represented Bahrain at the World Junior Championship and won gold after beating a lineup that included two Kenyan athletes.
Her biggest success came in 2016 at the Rio Olympics, when she won gold in the 3000m steeplechase, beating a talented field that included America's Emma Coburn, Ethiopia's Sofia Assefa, and Kenya's Hyvin Kiyeng and Beatrice Chepkoech.
One of the favorites, Kiyeng, finished second, with Coburn taking the bronze medal. Chepkoech came in fourth.
Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa
Unlike Javi and Jebet, Jepkirui, who was born on 20 May 1984, represented Kenya at the initial stage of her career when she participated in middle-distance running.
However, she did not attain much success and opted to enter road races. In 2013, she changed her nationality from Kenya to Bahrain.
In 2016, she represented Bahrain at the Rio Olympics and won a silver medal, which was arguably one of the biggest achievements of her athletics career.
However, in 2019, she suffered a setback after being banned for four years over doping allegations.
Saif Saaeed Shaheen
Saif Saaeed Shaheen formerly Stephen Cherono was born in Keiyo, Kenya on 15 October 1982.
Between 1999 and 2003, he represented Kenya in global competitions, winning several races, including the 1999 World Youth Championships.
However, in 2003, he changed nationality and started representing Qatar, a move that did not go well with the country's athletics fraternity.
While representing Qatar, he won the 2003 Asian Athletics Championships, the 2003 World Championships, and the 2005 World Championships, among other events.
Unlike the rest, he changed his name after switching from Kenya to Qatar.
Other notable Kenyan-born athletes who attained global success while representing other countries include Bernard Lagat, who represented the United States of America, and Lornah Kiplagat, who represented the Netherlands.
