Ezekiel Kemboi offers advice to India’s Avinash Sable on becoming a world-class steeplechaser
The four-time world champion has encouraged India’s Avinash Sable to adopt strategic methods to elevate his steeplechase career.
Legendary Kenyan steeplechaser Ezekiel Kemboi has extended a golden piece of advice to India’s rising star Avinash Sable.
The two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion emphasized the importance of high-altitude training to build strength, endurance, and resilience.
During his visit to India, Kemboi shared his insights on what it takes to excel in the grueling 3000m steeplechase event.
“I think the Indian guy Sable, the steeplechaser, the boy is still young. He still has a lot of time. What I want him to do is to have some motivation for himself. To have a vision, to have a target. To target what comes in a year, like world championship, Olympics," he said.
Sable, who recently represented India in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Paris Olympics but finished 11th, has been touted as a promising athlete on the global stage.
The 30-year-old has already made history for India, clinching a silver medal at the 2019 Asian Championships, another silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a gold and silver at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
However, Kemboi believes that Sable has the potential to achieve even greater success if he embraces a more tailored training regimen.
Kemboi, widely regarded as one of the greatest steeplechasers in history, suggested that Sable train in the high-altitude regions of Kenya or Ethiopia, known for producing world-class distance runners.
“I also want to request if it could be possible for him to go to Africa… Kenya or in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for some intense training which will focus on building up his endurance so that he gets more power while running,” Kemboi advised.
The Kenyan legend stressed the role of high-altitude training in preparing the body for the physical demands of steeplechase, a race that combines speed, stamina, and technical skill over water jumps and barriers.
“Just go for high-altitude training... because we have the best altitude for training in the regions of Kenya and Ethiopia for his body system to adapt to endurance,” he added.
Kemboi, who dominated the water-and-barrier race for more than a decade, has an unmatched legacy in the sport.
He is one of the few athletes to win two Olympic gold medals in steeplechase (2004 Athens and 2012 London) and four World Championship titles (2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015).
His illustrious career also includes three silver medals at the World Championships and a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
Reflecting on his experience, Kemboi highlighted the significance of setting clear goals and following a structured approach to training.
“What I want him to do is to have some motivation for himself. To have a vision, to have a target,” Kemboi reiterated, encouraging Sable to aim for success at future World Championships and Olympics.
Sable’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming a national icon has already inspired countless young athletes in India.
Kemboi also acknowledged Sable’s youth and determination as assets that could help him achieve a breakthrough on the international stage.
The Kenyan champion invited Sable to join him for training at his base offering a golden opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s finest.
posted Wednesday December 4th
by Festus Chuma