Why Steeplechase Star Avinash Sable Is An Inspiration for Parents And Children Alike

Avinash Sable made history as the first Indian male to qualify for the men's 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. India has pinned its hopes on the athlete, who is set to compete on August 8. Hailing from Beed, Maharashtra, his journey is nothing short of inspirational. Let's delve deep into his inspiring journey, and how he emerged as India's leading steeplechase champion.

Avinash Sable’s Childhood Story

Avinash comes from humble beginnings. He was born on September 13, 1994, in Mandwa, Maharashtra. Growing up in a family of farmers, his early life was marked by hardship. His family mostly consisted of daily wage earners, who made their living working on either farming or construction sites. 

One daily challenge he faced was a daily six-kilometer walk to his school due to the lack of available public transportation. 

Sable initially did not aspire for a career in sports.

Their struggle continued and Avinash had to help his parents as a daily wage worker at brick kilns and construction sites. His primary goal, however, was to join the army to support his family.

Avinash Joined the Army, But Found His Calling in Steeplechase 

After finishing school, Avinash joined the 5 Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army. He was deployed to the Siachen Glacier, in north-western Rajasthan, and later in Sikkim. His deployments spanned geographies and different terrains. He joined the Army’s athletic programme in 2015. In January 2017, during a cross-country race in Hyderabad, army coach Amrish Kumar spotted Sable and recommended that he concentrate on steeplechase.

He has since achieved significant success in the sport. He first broke a 37-year-long national record by registering 8:29.80 minutes at the 2018 National Open Championships in Bhubaneswar. Later, at the 2019 Federation Cup, he set a new record with a time of 8:28.94 minutes.

In 2019, Avinash became the first Indian male steeplechaser since 1991 to qualify for the World Championships. Additionally, he secured a silver medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Doha, clocking in at 8:30.19 minutes. He tested positive for Covid-19 before the Tokyo Olympics, and wasn’t at his physical best. He won Gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

As we wait with bated breath to cheer him on during the Olympics steeplechase final, let’s also salute how he overcame the hardest struggles to achieve triumphant. His story is one that exudes hope, and proves that no dream is too big, if one strives hard enough for it.