For the first time in history, Kenya has secured an NCAA national title in a women’s field event, thanks to Winny Chepkirui Bii’s extraordinary triumph in the triple jump for Texas A&M.
Over 45 years after the university launched its women’s track and field program, Winny Chepkirui Bii’s victory has shattered long-standing barriers, placing Kenya firmly on the map in an event traditionally dominated by athletes from the Americas and the Caribbean.
This breakthrough is especially remarkable given Kenya’s global reputation as a powerhouse in distance running rather than field events.
Kenya’s Journey to the Podium: Overcoming Past Near-Misses
Kenyan athletes have long excelled in middle- and long-distance track events, but the triple jump remained elusive. Several Kenyan women had come close to national glory but fell short by narrow margins.
Notably, while dominant on the track, athletes like Esther Chebet and Faith Kipyegon never managed to translate their talent into field event success. These predecessors missed the NCAA triple jump title by 20 to 30 centimetres.
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However, Winny Chepkirui Bii changed that narrative decisively. At the NCAA Championships, she soared to a winning leap of 14.25 meters—an impressive 30 centimetres beyond the closest Kenyan attempts in previous years.
This leap secured her the title and set a new benchmark for Kenyan triple jumpers. Inspiring a new generation of athletes to explore field events.
Seasonal Form and Peak Performance
Throughout the 2025 season, Winny Chepkirui Bii displayed remarkable consistency and growth. She regularly cleared distances above 14 meters in collegiate meets, steadily improving her technique and power.
Winny Chepkirui Bii’s seasonal average hovered around 14.10 meters, but she saved her best for the NCAA Championships, where she delivered a personal best and season peak of 14.25 meters under immense pressure.
Moreover, her ability to peak at the right time demonstrated not only physical readiness but also mental toughness—qualities essential for championship success.
Winny Chepkirui Bii Overcomes Fierce Competition from Top Rivals
Winny Chepkirui Bii faced stiff competition from some of the best triple jumpers in the NCAA circuit. Defending champion Tiana Barnes from the United States was a formidable opponent, known for her powerful jumps and competitive spirit.
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On the other hand, Jamaican jumper Simone Clarke also posed a significant threat, consistently posting jumps close to Bii’s marks throughout the season.
Despite their strong performances, neither Barnes nor Clarke could match Winny Chepkirui Bii’s precision and explosive takeoff on the day of the championship. Barnes struggled to find her rhythm, while Clarke’s best attempts fell just centimetres short of Bii’s winning leap, underscoring the Kenyan’s decisive edge.
A New Era for Kenyan Track and Field
Winny Chepkirui Bii’s historic victory transcends personal glory. It signals a pivotal moment for Kenyan athletics—a country traditionally celebrated for its dominance in distance running now expanding its horizons into technical field events.
Her success encourages Kenyan coaches and athletes to invest in and develop talent across a broader range of disciplines.
Winny Chepkirui Bii has not only leapt into the record books but also into the hearts of a nation eager to witness the rise of a new generation of versatile Kenyan track and field stars.