5 Things About Lalita Babar – 1st Indian to Reach Steeplechase Finals, World Athletics Championships

Lalita Babar, a 26-year-old long distance runner, made headlines yet again by breaking her own record in 3000-meter steeplechase. Here are five incredible things about her.

Lalita Babar, a 26-year-old long distance runner, has qualified for the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase final after her amazing performance in the World Athletics Championships held in Beijing on August 24th.

What makes her achievement the talk of the town is the fact that she broke her own national record of 9:34.13 minutes which she had attained during the Asian Championship this year.

Here is more about Lalita:

1. She clocked 9:27.86, finishing fourth in her heat and eighth overall, thus qualifying for the finals. She has become the first Indian woman athlete to do so.

Athletes like PT Usha, KM Beenamol, and Tintu Luka have previously made it to the semi finals.

2. Born in Satara district of Maharashtra, Lalita Shivaji Babar belongs to the family of farmers and trains under Nikolai Snesarev.

She was also won the Mumbai Marathon three consecutive times between 2012 and 2014.

3. In 2014 Incheon Asian Games, she won the bronze medal and broke the national record held by Sudha Singh.

This made her the national record holder in the 3000-meter steeplechase event.

4. She then beat her own record twice – once in 2015 Asian Championship and now again at the 2015 World Athletics Championships.

5. This recent victory has put her among the top 20 in the world. She stands tall at the 19th position.

All pics: Lalita Babar Facebook

Wishing Lalita all the very best for the finals on Wednesday!

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