MAIKELI SERU – FIJI TIMES
Fiji’s long distance champion Yeshnil Karan continues to blitz the tracks while preparing for the 2022 international athletics season.
The former Fiji secondary schools sensation, who is training in Brisbane, Australia, moved into the fifth place of all time Fijian 3000 metres ranking list after he clocked eight (8) minutes and 54.83 seconds in the Sunshine Coast Track Classic on Saturday.
“Karan stepped off his first ever plane flight on Wednesday, March 16, and celebrated his 21st birthday in Brisbane, Australia,” Athletics Fiji administration manager Selwyn Williams said.
“Three days later, on Saturday, he stepped up his pace and recorded a personal best in 3000 metres at the Sunshine Coast Track Classic.
“Yeshnil clocked an exceptional time of eight minutes and 54.83 seconds and moved to fifth place on Fiji’s all-time ranking list for the 3000 metres event.”
Williams said Karan’s feat was commended by one of the best runners in the world.
“On hand on Saturday at the University of Sunshine Coast tracks to congratulate and give his best wishes to Yeshnil was British 1500m middle-distance legend Steve Ovett.
“He won the 800m gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. He set multiple world records in the 1500m, mile and two-mile races.
“Yeshnil will be based in Brisbane for three months for intensive training and track and cross-country competitions.
“He will join the Fiji Team and take part at the Oceania Athletics Championships at Mackay from June 7 to 11.”
He said Karan was thankful to Oceania Athletics Association, Fiji National Sports Commission, FASANOC, Striders Athletics Club and Athletics Fiji, his sponsors, supporters and his family for making this campaign possible.
