Sable eyes sub-8 time in steeplechase

Avinash Sable is a risktaker in the classical sense. Failures only drive him further and, not surprisingly too, because the army man from Beed has now broken the steeplechase national record multiple times after coping with taunts from fellow athletes.

- V.Anand

ATHLETICS

Mumbai: Recently in the Rabat Diamond League, Sable clocked 8.12.48, finishing fifth and one-hundredth of a second behind Conseslus Kipruto, the Kenyan who had won the 2016 Olympic gold. This was the 27year-old’s latest offering in terms of records. He is also the only Indian to run a half marathon in under 61 minutes putting him in the elite level. Indians have run 64 or 64minute half marathons.

Sable, who is managed by JSW sports, will now be heading for the World Championships in Oregon from July 15. Currently, he is training under American distance coach Scott Simons.