Fiji’s Yeshnil Karan will make his World Athletics Championships debut in the 1,500 metre event, adding another milestone to a remarkable career.
Karan has an impressive record, including dual gold at the Pacific Mini Games, triple gold at the Pacific Games, and national records in the 10,000m, 5000m, and half-marathon.
Earlier this year, he set multiple national records in Australia while training with elite groups in Brisbane and Adelaide.
The former Tavua College student’s journey began with a simple passion for running that grew into a lifelong dream of representing Fiji on the biggest stages, including a future goal of competing at the Olympics.
Karan says that from a young age, he loved athletics, and that passion has grown into a strong motivation to chase his dreams.
Representing Fiji and the Pacific is something Karan carries with immense pride, saying it is one of the greatest honours of his life.
He says this upcoming World Athletics Championships will be his first, and he knows it will be a memory he will carry with him forever.
Karan’s biggest challenge has been balancing family life with his athletic commitment.
Following the birth of his second son earlier this year, he was required to train alone for weeks back home before rejoining high-level training camps in Australia, alongside the likes of Matthew Clarke and Peter Bol. Looking ahead, his main goal is to run a personal best in the 1500m and continue to build momentum on the international stage.
He hopes his journey will inspire young Fijian and Pacific athletes to dream big.
Karan is encouraging them to never give up, stay determined through challenges, and always strive to do their best.
Karan will take part in the 1,500 heats on Sunday at 6.35am in Tokyo.
The semi-final is on Monday, and the finals will be held on Wednesday .
