Fiji showcased a remarkable performance at the World Cross Country Championships held in Tallahassee, with national athlete Yeshnil Karan achieving the best finish for the country since its inaugural participation in 1988. Competing in the Senior Men’s 10km race, Karan secured 83rd place out of 123 competitors, surpassing elite athletes from countries renowned for their athletics prowess, including China, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Argentina, and South Africa.
Karan clocked an impressive time of 32 minutes and 55 seconds, recording splits of 9:26 at the 3km mark and 16:09 at 5km. The Tallahassee course, known for its challenging terrain featuring steep hills, mud, sand sections, and barrier jumps, tested the athletes’ endurance, strength, agility, and tactical acumen. This was Karan’s debut at the World Cross Country level, serving as a critical component of his preparation for the forthcoming Oceania Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Joining Karan on the course, Ben Ashe finished in 37 minutes and 7 seconds, an improvement over his previous performance at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst. Ashe’s return to competition, following a hiatus due to injury recovery, is a promising development as he gears up for upcoming regional competitions, including the Oceania Championships.
In an eventful day, Australia triumphed in the Mixed Relay, with Linden Hall, Ben Ashe’s partner, contributing to the gold-medal-winning team, marking a significant accomplishment against the backdrop of dominance typically held by African distance runners.
Karan’s ongoing progress, fostered through consistent training and competition alongside several Australian distance athletes and national team members, demonstrates an effective pathway for sustainable performance enhancement. Fiji’s achievements in Tallahassee are indicative of the steady growth in distance running on the global stage, generating optimism as the nation continues its preparations for major events slated for 2026.