"My only focus was to make it to the top five" - Avinash Sable after qualifying for Men's 3000m steeplechase final
Avinash Sable made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Indian man to qualify for the men's 3000m steeplechase final. Sable finished fifth in his heat with a commendable timing of 8:15.43 minutes, securing his place among the top athletes who will compete in the final.
The steeplechase event consists of three heats, with the top five athletes from each heat advancing to the final. Sable's performance in the second heat was a display of his sharp skills.
He began the race by leading the pack for the first lap, a position that he soon relinquished to Kenyan athlete Abraham Kibiwot. Despite slipping to fifth place, Sable maintained a consistent pace, ensuring his qualification spot without falling below the critical cutoff.
In an interview with Sports18 after the race, Avinash Sable shared his strategy during the heat.
"When I entered the race, my only focus was to make it to the top five. It was also my strategy to save as much energy as I could, as it is humid here. I wanted to lead first so that I don't have to chase in the end," he explained.
As the race progressed, multiple lead changes occurred, but Sable's determination allowed him to stay within the top five. By the end of the last lap, it was clear that Sable and the other four leading athletes were significantly ahead of the rest of the competitors. Sable's steady performance ensured he comfortably secured his place in the final, setting a new benchmark for Indian athletes in the event.
Avinash Sable's qualification time of 8:15.43 minutes, although not matching his personal best of 8:09.91 minutes achieved at the Paris Diamond League the previous month, was impressive given the humid conditions. Sable's ability to adjust his pace and conserve energy for the crucial moments of the race showed how well-prepared he was.
Avinash Sable will be keen to carry his performance into the final
Avinash Sable's journey to the final is a significant achievement, not just for him, but for Indian athletics as a whole. His qualification is an inspiration for aspiring runners back home.
As Sable prepares for the final on Thursday, August 8, it will be interesting to see if he can continue his impressive run and possibly secure a medal.
The men's 3000m steeplechase final promises to be a thrilling event, with Sable competing against some of the best athletes in the world. His performance in the heats has already made headlines, and he is expected to be a formidable contender in the final race.