Yavi Makes History with Unprecedented Asian Games Distance Treble

Winfred Yavi of Bahrain became the first athlete in history to win the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and 3000 metres steeplechase at a single Asian Games, completing an unprecedented distance treble in Nagoya on 28 September 2026. The reigning Olympic steeplechase champion sealed her third gold with a 15:10.18 victory in the 5000 metres final.

A final lap that broke the field

Japan's Nozomi Tanaka pushed the pace in front of a roaring home crowd and refused to yield as the race tightened. Yavi unleashed a blistering final lap to break the challenge, crossing the line less than two seconds clear. Tanaka took silver in 15:11.65, with India's Parul Chaudhary claiming bronze in 15:14.61.

A treble built over six days

Yavi opened her campaign on 24 September with the 10,000 metres. She moved to the front with three laps remaining and held off Tanaka to win in 32:39.18.

The treble adds to a career that already includes Olympic gold from Paris 2024, world championship gold from Budapest 2023 and the Asian steeplechase record of 8:44.39.

"Winning three gold medals for Bahrain is an indescribable feeling," Yavi said after the race, "and the support out on the track tonight pushed me through that final lap."

The 26-year-old's feat came on a night when three Games records fell across the programme, yet her treble stood apart — a display of range no one in the event's history had matched.