Fiji long distance runner Yeshnil Karan broke the national 5000 metres record by 15 seconds at the Queensland Championship at the University of Queensland tracks, Australia, last Saturday.

The 22-year-old from Yaladro, Tavua, clocked a very impressive time of 14 minutes 31.73 seconds to improve his previous best by a massive 55 seconds.

In doing so, he broke the record of 14 mins 46.40 secs set by Davendra Prakash Singh, in Melbourne, in November 1993 and bettered performances by legends like Rick Kermode and Usaia Sotutu.

Evueli Toia, 20, from Delakado Village in Tailevu, improved his time by 56 seconds to clock 15 mins 40.70 secs, to move to number 10 on the All-time ranking list, ahead of the celebrated Shiri Chand

“Mushroom” whose personal best time was recorded 47 years ago in 1976. Toia finished 0.07 secs behind 2022 Pacific Mini Games silver medalist Siune Kagl, of Papua New Guinea, in his race.

Evueli Toia.

Former record holder, Singh, in offering his congratulations said: “Records are meant to be broken.”

This is a proud moment for me, having held the record for a long time. The setting of the new national record is not only a personal achievement but also a source of pride for the entire nation.

“It showcases the talent, dedication, and hard work of Yeshnil, who has achieved such a milestone very early in his career.

“Setting new records are a testament to the collective efforts and commitment of the people involved.”

This was Karan and Toia’s final competition before they fly to Honiara, Solomon Islands to represent Fiji at the Pacific Games. Th athletics competition starts on
Monday, November 27, 2023.

Source: Oceania Athletics

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