Paris Olympics 2024: Avinash Sable finishes 11th in men's 3000m steeplechase event

Sable made history as the first Indian male to reach the final round of 3000m Steeplechase event at the Olympics.

India’s Avinash Sable finished 11th in the men’s 3000m Steeplechase event at Paris Olympics 2024. Sable, who by securing fifth place in the first round, became the first Indian to qualify for the final round of men’s 3000m steeplechase event at the Olympics, finished with a timing of 8:14.18 in the final, way off his personal best—a national record.

In qualification, Avinash Sable clocked 8:15.43 seconds to be ranked fifth overall ahead of current Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali. His personal best of 8:09.91, an Indian national record, would have placed him on the steeplechase podium in the last three Olympic editions and secured gold in London 2012.

India's Avinash Sable finishes 11th in men's 3000m steeplechase. 🇮🇳ICYMI, Sable is the first Indian man and only second from the country to qualify for the final of 3000m SC at the Olympics. 👏👏#Paris2024 #Athletics pic.twitter.com/K3IzUadDrw

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 7, 2024

The men’s 3000m steeplechase final had 16 participants instead of the usual 15 owing to an appeal by Kenya’s Amos Serem. As he was hindered by an elbow just before a water jump which impacted his time in the qualifiers.

Nevertheless, with seven finalists in Paris 2024 posting their season bests, Avinash Sable would have had to beat his own national record to contend for a medal. Unfortunately, the Indian athlete finished 11th in the men’s 3000m steeplechase final with a timing of 8.14.18 seconds.

He started strong and led for the first lap and a half but soon found it challenging to maintain his position as the Ethiopian team’s fast pace and tactical approach began to take its toll. Sable struggled to break free and was boxed in the leading pack.

Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: Jyothi Yarraji finishes 7th, Annu Rani ends 15th

As the final lap unfolded, El Bakkali surged past Rooks to claim victory and retain his Olympic title. Despite Rooks initially leading, the Moroccan’s decisive move ensured he finished first. Koech had taken the lead from the Ethiopians earlier but faced stiff competition.

El Bakkali defended his title and made history as the first to repeat as champion since Finland’s Volmari Iso-Hollo (1932-1936) with a timing of 8:06.05. Close behind, K. Rooks from the United States secured the silver medal with a time of 8:06.41. The bronze medal went to A. Kibiwot of Kenya who finished with a time of 8:06.47.

Ethiopian runner Lamecha Girma suffered a head injury in a dramatic fall during the final lap of the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Paris Olympics and did not finish.

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