Paris 2024: Avinash Sable Makes History as First Indian Man to Reach 3000m Steeplechase Final.

Avinash Sable made history as the first Indian man to reach the 3000m steeplechase final by finishing fifth in his heat. 

However, quartermiler Kiran Pahal did not advance to the semi-finals of the women’s 400m, ending her heat in seventh place at the Paris Olympics on Monday.

Sable, the standout track and field athlete next to Neeraj Chopra, clocked an impressive 8:15.43 minutes to secure fifth place in his heat. This remarkable performance earned him a spot in the final round, showcasing his elite status in the sport.

The top five from each heat advance to the final. Sable’s heat time of 8:15.43 minutes was slower than his best of 8:09.91 from the Paris Diamond League last month.

Morocco’s Mohamed Tindouft won the heat with 8:10.62 minutes, followed by Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu (8:11.61), Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot (8:12.02), and Japan’s Ryuji Miura (8:12.41).

Among the 15 finalists, Sable ranks fifth based on timing, with the second heat producing the fastest times. He led the first two laps but adjusted his pace to ensure qualification for the final, staying within the leading pack throughout.

Kiran Pahal, who turned 24 on Monday, finished her 400m heat in 52.51 seconds, below her personal best of 50.92 seconds. Dominica's Marileidy Paulino won the heat with 49.42 seconds, followed by Aaliyah Butler (50.52) and Susanne Gogl-Walli (50.67).

In the new Paris Olympics format, the top three from each heat advance directly to the semifinals, while others move to the repechage round for another chance to qualify. Pahal had secured her spot in Paris with her personal best earlier this year.