Paris Diamond League 2024: Avinash Sable Breaks National Record in 3000m Steeplechase; Kishore Jena finishes 8th in javelin

Paris, July 7: Avinash Sable delivered a stellar performance at the prestigious Diamond League meet in Paris, breaking his own national record in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 8 minutes and 9.91 seconds.

The 29-year-old finished sixth in a highly competitive field, showcasing his readiness for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Sable's previous record of 8:11.20, set in 2022, was improved by around one and a half seconds. This marks the 10th time Sable has set a national record, a testament to his consistent excellence and determination.

Coming from a humble farming background in Mandwa village, Beed district of Maharashtra, Sable's journey has been nothing short of inspirational.

Paris Diamond League 2024 Race Highlights

The race saw intense competition, with Ethiopia's Abrham Sime clinching first place in a photo finish with Kenya's Amos Serem, both clocking 8:02.36. Another Kenyan, Abraham Kibiwot, who won the bronze at the 2023 World Championships and gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (where Sable won silver), finished third with a time of 8:06.70.

Avinash Sable's Journey and Recent Struggles

Sable's performance in Paris is a significant improvement from his recent outings. He had been struggling this season, with times of 8:21.85 in Portland and 8:31.75 in Panchkula during the National Inter-State Championships, both in June. However, his recent efforts show a remarkable recovery, shaving off around 12 seconds from his best performance of the season.

After winning gold at the Panchkula event, Sable pledged to rectify past mistakes and deliver a memorable performance at the Paris Olympics with a fresh approach. "I committed mistakes in the last two years. I had gone with good fitness in the two world championships (2022 and 2023) but could not do well at both. I want to make amends, hope that this Olympics will be my best," he had said.

Javelin Throw: Kishore Jena's Struggles

In the men's javelin throw, Olympics-bound Kishore Jena continued to face challenges, finishing eighth with a throw of 78.10m. Jena, who has a personal best of 87.54m and a season best of 80.84m, has been struggling this season, managing efforts of 76.31m in the Doha Diamond League and 75.49m in the Federation Cup in May. Jena has been coping with minor left ankle pain, which he developed during the Federation Cup.

Neeraj Chopra's Absence

Reigning Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra opted out of the meet due to an adductor niggle that has been troubling him for the past couple of months. Julian Weber of Germany won the javelin event with a throw of 85.91m, followed by former world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada (85.19m) and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic (85.04m).

Sable's record-breaking performance at the Diamond League meet underscores his potential and readiness for the Paris Olympics. His journey from a small village in Maharashtra to setting national records on the international stage serves as an inspiration to many. With continued dedication and focus, Sable is poised to make a significant impact at the Olympic Games.