Avinash Sable, India’s 3000m steeplechase champion, is optimistic about his strategic changes ahead of the Paris Olympics. Sable didn’t let his disappointment from last year’s Budapest World Championships linger; instead, he focused on preparing for the Hangzhou Asian Games, where he struck gold. Opting to train in Bengaluru instead of the Indian team’s base in Colorado Springs, Sable re-evaluated his preparation for major events. In the 2022 Eugene World Championships, he finished 11th due to a slow race, and at Budapest, a tactical and slow preliminary heat caught him off guard, resulting in a seventh-place finish.
This year, Sable has concentrated on staying with the front group rather than running behind, stating, “I want to cover all the bases in training.” He emphasized that his focus is on preparation for the Olympics, noting that he no longer fears international competition. “Earlier, I used to think how will I enter among a pack of runners… All that fear has gone,” Sable said.
At the Inter-State meet in Panchkula, Sable discussed his preparation and his eagerness for the Paris Diamond League on July 7. Rejecting invitations from other Diamond Leagues, he focused solely on Olympic preparation. The Paris Diamond League proved his approach was right; finishing sixth, he broke his national record with a time of 8:09.91. Competing against top runners like Kenyans Abraham Kibiwot and Leonard Kipkemoi, and Ethiopian Sime Abrham, who won the race, provided valuable insights.
Sable’s obsession with timing has shifted to consistent training, focusing on speed, endurance, and the final kick. He realized that chasing personal bests in every race hindered his preparation for major championships. “In India, we have the mentality that if Avinash has done 8:11 last year he should improve in the first competition this season,” Sable noted.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he won silver with a national record of 8:11.20, bolstered his confidence. Sable hopes for a race like Birmingham at the Paris Olympics, preferring a single-file run that allows clear positioning. Reflecting on past World Championships, he acknowledged the importance of the final laps’ pace, dominated by Moroccan Olympic and world champion Soufiane El Bakkali.
Preparing for every possible race scenario, Sable declared, “Kuch bhi ho jaaye, jaise bhi race jaaye, uske liye prepare raghenge.” (Whatever the race throws up, I will be ready). With a renewed focus and strategic preparation, Sable is poised to make his mark at the Paris Olympics.
