Yeshnil Karan, a celebrated long-distance runner from Fiji, has made history by breaking a national record that had stood for 54 years in the 10,000 meters race. The Tavua native accomplished this remarkable feat at the UniSport Australia Nationals Athletics Championships held at the Gold Coast Performance Centre. Competing as a guest athlete, Karan secured first place at the Australian Inter-University Championships with a stunning time of 30 minutes and 19.92 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 31 minutes and 32 seconds, set by the legendary Usaia Sotutu in 1971, by an impressive 72 seconds.
This race marked only Karan’s second outing on the track for the 10,000 meters, and he also improved his personal best by an extraordinary 2 minutes and 12 seconds, having previously clocked 32 minutes and 32.30 seconds during his gold medal performance at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
Karan’s outstanding achievements in athletics are reminiscent of his previous accomplishments, including breaking national records in both the 5,000 meters and the Gold Coast Half Marathon. Karan’s journey not only highlights his individual triumphs but also serves as an inspiring beacon for aspiring athletes in Fiji, showcasing the potential that can emerge from dedication and hard work in sports.
The continuous momentum of Karan’s achievements paints a hopeful picture for the future of Fijian athletics, revealing that his remarkable perseverance could pave the way for other athletes to reach their own potential on both national and international stages. His story offers a powerful message of resilience and motivation for current and future generations.
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