In the heart of the Paris Olympics, India’s Kiran Pahal, the 24-year-old quarter-miler, faced a pivotal moment. Her performance in the women’s 400m heat would determine her path to the semifinals. Unfortunately, she finished seventh in her heat, clocking 52.51 seconds—below her personal best of 50.92 seconds. But all is not lost. Kiran now enters the repechage round, where she has another chance to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Kiran Pahal’s performance in qualification
Kiran’s heat was fiercely competitive. World champion Marileidy Paulino of Dominica set the pace with an impressive 49.42 seconds. Aaliyah Butler (USA) followed closely with 50.52 seconds, and Austria’s Susanne Gogl-Walli secured the third spot at 50.67 seconds. Kiran fought valiantly but missed the top-three cutoff.
The new format introduced in the Paris Olympics includes a repechage round for individual track events from 200m to 1500m, including hurdles. Unlike the previous system, where fast qualifying times could also propel athletes to the semifinals, now only the top placings guarantee automatic qualification. Kiran, along with other athletes who missed direct entry, will compete in the repechage heats.
Kiran’s journey isn’t just about speed; it’s about mental strength. She must regroup, recalibrate, and channel her determination. The repechage round offers redemption—a chance to prove that setbacks don’t define champions.
KIRAN PAHAL FINISHED 7TH IN HER HEAT
Kiran Pahal clocked a timing of 52.51s to finish 7th in her heat
She failed to qualify for the SF but will have another shot at the repechage #Paris2024 #Athletics #Olympics pic.twitter.com/RFIFul9sHe
— SPORTS ARENA🇮🇳 (@SportsArena1234) August 5, 2024
In the repechage, Kiran faces a critical test. She must summon her best form, execute flawless transitions, and sprint with unwavering focus. The top performers from the repechage will join the semifinals, and Kiran aims to be among them.
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