Avinash Sable, India’s 3000m steeplechase champion, has shifted his focus from chasing timings to meticulous preparation ahead of the Paris Olympics. After a disappointing performance at the 2022 Budapest World Championships, Sable opted to train in Bengaluru rather than return to the Indian team’s base in Colorado Springs.
His decision paid off at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where he struck gold and regained his confidence. However, Sable realized the need to improve his preparation for major events. In the 2022 Eugene Worlds, he qualified for the final but finished 11th due to a slow race. At Budapest, another tactical and slow preliminary heat caught him off guard, resulting in his elimination.
“This year, the focus has been on preparation, so that I don’t run behind but run shoulder to shoulder with the front group,” Sable explained. “That’s why I started late. I want to cover all the bases in training.”
Sable’s preparation included declining invitations to Diamond Leagues to focus on his Olympic training. He believes that he has overcome his fear of international competition and is now confident in his abilities.
“I know what it is to compete in international events. I don’t have a fear of international competition anymore,” he said. “I’ve learnt to back my decisions. I’ve not thought about results in the preparation phase. I told myself I will accept all that comes my way, but whatever has to happen should happen before Olympics, not during it.”
The Paris Diamond League served as an ideal preparation for the Olympics, featuring top runners. Sable finished sixth, breaking his national record with a time of 8:09.91. Kenyans Abraham Kibiwot and Leonard Kipkemoi, who will compete in the Olympics, were also in the race.
Sable’s focus has shifted from chasing timings to improving his overall performance. “Last year, the target was to get good timing; this year it is the opposite – keep doing your best in training – speed, endurance, final kick,” he said.
Having broken the national record multiple times, Sable believes that his obsession with timing is over. “I was running for timing and if I didn’t get it in one race, I would call up Scott that I want to enter this Diamond League or some other competition,” he explained. “But I was losing crucial time to train and it was affecting my preparation for major championships.”
Sable’s goal for the Paris Olympics is to run a race similar to the Commonwealth Games, where he won silver against three Kenyans. “I think my best chances will be if it is a race like athletes running single file,” he said. “You are clear about your position. You are able to see others.”
Sable is prepared for any type of race and is confident in his abilities. “Kuch bhi ho jaaye, jaise bhi race jaaye, uske liye prepare raghenge,” he said. (Whatever the race throws up, I will be ready).
