Atma Maharaj, who is the personal coach and manager of 22-year-old Yeshnil Karan, has today confirmed that Karan has broken a 30-year-old 5,000 metres national record by 15 seconds with a time of 14 minutes and 31.73 seconds at the University of Queensland.
The previous record of 14 minutes 46.40 seconds was set by Davendra Prakash Singh, in Melbourne, in November 1993 who had bettered performances by legends such as Rick Kermode and Usaia Sotutu. 20-year-old Evueli Toia, from Delakado Village Tailevu, improved his time by 56 seconds to clock 15 minutes 40.70 seconds, to move to number 10 on the All-time Ranking List, ahead of the celebrated Shiri Chand "Mushroom" personal best time 47 years ago in 1976.
Toia finished on only 0.07 second behind 2022 Pacific Mini Games Silver medalist Siune Kagl, from PNG, in his race.
Former record holder, Davendra Singh, in offering his congratulations saying ‘Records are meant to be broken.’
Singh says this is a proud moment for him, having held the record for such a long time.
He says the setting of the new national record is not only a personal achievement but also a source of pride for the entire nation.
This was Yeshnil and Evueli’s final competition before they fly to Honiara, Solomon Islands to take part in the Pacific Games.
The Athletics Competition starts on Monday, 27th November 2023.
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