How did Avinash Sable perform at Tokyo Olympics? A detailed look at the Indian track and field athlete's performance at the previous Olympic Games
Avinash Sable, an Indian track and field athlete, specializes in 3000m steeplechase. The Maharashtra-born athlete participated in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.
Although Avinash Sable did not secure a medal at the prestigious competition he did manage to set a new national record in the men’s 3000m steeplechase event, taking part in his debut Olympics. Unfortunately, he fell short of making it to the final of the event despite a national record-breaking performance.
Sable finished seventh in his heat with a time of 8:18.12 at the Olympic stadium. Notably, this was a progress over his previous national record of 8:20.20, which he set at the Federation Cup in March 2021.
In addition, it marked the sixth time he set a new national record. The 29-year-old's time ranked as the 13th fastest overall of the competition which has over 41 participants. Notably, his time was better than those of the top three runners in Heat 3, who secured a berth in the final.
A deeper look at Avinash Sable's career as a steeplechaser
Additionally, the 29-year-old Indian steeplechaser was in fine form ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. He began the 2021 season by winning at the Indian Grand Prix, followed by setting a new national record at the Federation Cup.
Remarkably, Avinash Sable currently holds the national record of 8:11.20, which he achieved during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the men's 3000mn steeplechase and clinched the silver medal. Notably, it marked the ninth occasion he had set the national record.
Additionally, his achievement also marked the first time since 1994 that an athlete from outside Kenya had secured a medal in this event at the Commonwealth Games.
He also secured a gold medal for India for the first time in the steeplechase event and a silver in the 5000 meters at the 2022 Asian Games. Meanwhile, in the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships, he completed the 10km distance in 31:43 and finished 35th out of 100 athletes.