Avinash Sable set new national record in steeplechase with a timing of 8:18.12 while Kenya's Abraham Kibiwot wins the second heats.
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India’s Avinash Mukund Sable finished 7th in round 1- heat 2 of the steeplechase of Tokyo Olympics. The 26-year-old army-man completed the race with a timing of 8:18.12. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot finished in the first position with a timing of 8:12.25. Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale finished second followed by Italy’s Ahmed Abdelwahed. The top three from the heats will directly qualify for the finals followed by six others with the best timing.
The Indian was at the top for almost a lap and a half, however, in this sport of stamina, and longevity, using your energy in the most optimum way is the key. The Indian was seen trailing behind his Ethiopian and Kenyan competitors. As a result, Sable’s Tokyo Olympics journey ended at the seventh spot. It is a heartbreak for India, for sure. Considering it was India’s first 3000 m steeplechase since 1952, it sets the tone for more athletes.
Sable was chasing a huge run, since the last time India won any medal in athletics in the Olympics was back in 1900, at the Paris Olympics by Norman Pritchard.
The Tokyo Olympics, which was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now up and running. The Games have not been without their share of controversies, however.
The event is happening despite plenty of protests from the Japanese people against it. And the angst is not without reason. Tokyo is currently in a state of emergency due to a rise in COVID cases.
The Games will, by and large, be played out in the absence of fans, always a major psychological blow to athletes.
The Games had begun on July 23, 2021 after being delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s also been a number of cases reported in the Olympic village itself.
