The first in his family to represent Fiji internationally and now at the World Athletics Championships, Yeshnil Karan will make his debut in the 1500m event tomorrow in Tokyo, Japan.
Karan, who hails from Tavua in the Western Division, steps up to international competition after an illustrious record at the Pacific Games and the Pacific Mini Games.
He is also the national record holder of long-distance events such as the 5000m, the 10,000m and the half marathon.
Competing against some of the best long-distance runners in the world, for Karan, is the result of a journey that began at a young age.
“From a young age, I loved athletics and that passion has grown into a strong motivation to chase my dreams,” he told Oceania Athletics.
“It’s one of the greatest honours of my life. This upcoming World Athletics Championships will be my first and I know it will be a memory I’ll carry with me forever.”
Preparing for the tracks in Tokyo, his training regimen saw him battle the elements at times.
He had to juggle between long hours on the family farm, to running along the Kings Highway and training at the Tavua College grounds.
As he competes in Tokyo tomorrow, his training and preparation took a different turn earlier this year when his second child was born this year.
It meant having to train alone back in Fiji before he could return to high-level training camps in Australia.
“It hasn’t been the ideal build-up, but I’ve stayed focused, worked hard, and put myself in the best possible position to compete well,” he emphasised.
With the clock ticking to the start of the race tomorrow, the proud father of two boys shared his intention to run a personal best in the 1500m and continue the build of momentum on the global stage.
“Balancing family responsibilities with international-level training has been a big sacrifice, but it motivates me even more,” he said.
Meanwhile, the men’s 1500m race starts at 12.35pm Fiji Time, at the Japan National Stadium.
