Legendary Kenyan steeplechaser Ezekiel Kemboi has offered invaluable advice to India’s rising star, Avinash Sable, as he looks to elevate his career in the 3000m steeplechase. A two-time Olympic champion and four-time World Champion, Kemboi is one of the most decorated athletes in the sport’s history, and his insights could play a pivotal role in Sable’s pursuit of international success.
During a visit to India, Kemboi took the time to share his expertise and motivate Sable, who has already established himself as a formidable competitor in global athletics. Sable, who represented India at the Paris Olympics, finishing 11th in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, has had a string of achievements, including silver medals at the 2019 Asian Championships and the Commonwealth Games, as well as gold and silver medals at the 2023 Asian Games. His performances have made him a beacon of hope for Indian athletics, and Kemboi sees even greater potential in him.
Kemboi’s advice to Sable revolves around setting clear goals and maintaining a structured approach to training. He emphasized the importance of having a vision and targeting major events, such as World Championships and the Olympics, as key milestones in a long-term career. He encouraged Sable to maintain strong self-motivation and set achievable goals, ensuring that each year has a specific focus. The Kenyan legend, who dominated the steeplechase for over a decade, believes that such an approach is essential for continued success at the highest levels.
One of the most significant pieces of advice Kemboi shared was the importance of high-altitude training. Known for producing some of the world’s best distance runners, regions like Kenya and Ethiopia are renowned for their ability to build endurance and strength. Kemboi suggested that Sable should consider training in these high-altitude locations to enhance his stamina and resilience, which are crucial for the physical demands of the steeplechase event.
The steeplechase is a unique race, combining both speed and endurance while requiring precise technical skill over water jumps and barriers. High-altitude training, Kemboi explained, provides an environment that forces the body to adapt to lower oxygen levels, building endurance and improving overall fitness. He highlighted that regions like Kenya and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia offer the ideal conditions for athletes to strengthen their cardiovascular systems, making them more capable of handling the rigors of elite competition.
Kemboi’s own illustrious career serves as a testament to the benefits of such training. With two Olympic gold medals (2004 and 2012) and four World Championship titles (2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015), he has long been recognized as one of the greatest steeplechasers in history. His success, including three silver medals at the World Championships and a silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, has been built on years of disciplined, targeted training and a mindset focused on continuous improvement.
As Kemboi reflected on his own journey, he spoke of the importance of having a clear plan and maintaining focus on long-term goals. This approach, he believes, is crucial for Sable as he looks to break through to the next level. The Kenyan athlete also pointed out Sable’s youth and potential as key factors that could contribute to his success. At just 30 years old, Sable still has time to refine his skills and pursue major championships with the right training regimen.
Kemboi extended a personal invitation to Sable to join him for training, offering the opportunity to learn directly from one of the sport’s finest. This gesture highlights the camaraderie and mentorship that exists within the athletic community, as top athletes like Kemboi take the time to guide the next generation.
For Sable, the path ahead may be challenging, but with the right mindset, training, and goals, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of legendary athletes like Kemboi. His journey from modest beginnings to becoming a national icon in India has already inspired countless young athletes, and with Kemboi’s guidance, Sable may soon find himself competing among the world’s best in the steeplechase.
