Fijian middle-distance runner Yeshnil Karan has marked a significant achievement at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo by setting a personal best time of 3:50.77 in the men’s 1500 meters. This new record surpasses his previous best of 3:51.14, which he established at the Australian Championships in April. Competing in Heat 2, Karan faced challenging early-morning conditions, yet was the only runner across all heats to secure a personal best time.
The race was tactical, with a fast initial 100 meters clocked at 14.5 seconds, followed by a slower lap at 64.5 seconds. Karan then picked up the pace, covering the next lap in 61.9 seconds, and finished strong over the last 600 meters with a time of 89.7 seconds. Reflecting on his experience, Karan expressed pride in his performance, particularly as it was his first World Championships outing, made even more special by the presence of Olympic champions.
This notable feat comes amid limited preparation time, as Karan had only six weeks to train after returning from Fiji for the birth of his second son. His coach, Atma Maharaj, praised Karan’s effort, underscoring his potential on the global stage. Karan now sets his sights on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the aim of achieving greater success and inspiring future generations of Fijian athletes.
Karan’s journey is not just a testament to his individual dedication but also underscores his role as an inspirational figure for young athletes in Fiji. With multiple national records in various events, he continues to encourage others to pursue their goals, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, remarkable achievements are within reach, even on the world stage.
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