Indian athlete Avinash Sable etched his name in the annals of Olympic history by becoming the first Indian to secure a spot in the men’s 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Avinash Sable’s performance in the qualification
Sable’s performance in the heats was nothing short of extraordinary. He finished fifth in his heat, clocking an impressive 8:15.43. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian athletics, as Sable now stands on the cusp of Olympic glory.
Sable took an early lead in the race, leading for the first two and a half minutes. Kenyan athlete Abraham Kiwiot and Ethiopian runner Samuel Firewu eventually surged ahead, but Sable held his ground. Despite facing tough competition, Sable’s determination and stamina propelled him forward.
Sable’s journey to the final is a tale of resilience. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he missed qualification after finishing seventh in the heats. Undeterred, he worked hard, honed his skills, and emerged as the fastest non-qualifier across all heats.
The 29-year-old Sable holds the Indian national record in the 3000m steeplechase. Earlier this year, he clocked 8:09.91 at the Paris Diamond League meeting, showcasing his prowess on the international stage.
Sable secured his spot in Paris by meeting the direct entry standard of 8:15.00. His qualification came during the Silesia Diamond League in Poland, where he finished sixth with a time of 8:11.63 in 2023.
🇮🇳Avinash Sable created history by becoming the first Indian male athlete to qualify for the men's 3000m steeplechase final.
▪️ #AvinashSable finished 5th in his heat with a timing of .43 minutes to qualify for the finals scheduled for the 8th of August.#Cheer4Bharat ।… pic.twitter.com/g7ZByCti1L
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 6, 2024
In the women’s 400m event, Indian athlete Kiran Pahal finished seventh in her heat, clocking 52.51 seconds. While she missed direct qualification, Pahal will have another chance in the repechage round.
As Avinash Sable prepares for the final, the nation rallies behind him, hoping for a historic medal. His journey exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and determination that defines the Olympic Games.
