Sawan Barwal made history at the NN Marathon Rotterdam, breaking a 48-year-old national record set by Shivnath Singh - one of Indian athletics' longest-standing marks. But instead of celebrating, Barwal called home disappointed.
Why the Record Was Not His Target
In an exclusive conversation, Barwal revealed that his target was never the record. He had set his sights on a much faster time, aiming to run under 2 hours and 10 minutes. The record was merely a byproduct of his ambition.
The Brutal Final Kilometres
Barwal described the final kilometres as brutal. He had pushed hard from the start, but the pace took a toll. With about 5 kilometres to go, his legs began to cramp, and he struggled to maintain speed. The last 2 kilometres felt like an eternity, and he crossed the line in 2 hours 11 minutes and 34 seconds, shaving off 11 seconds from Singh's 1978 mark.
The Mistake That Changed Everything
Barwal admitted to a tactical error: he went out too fast in the first half of the race. The early surge cost him energy that he needed later. He learned that pacing is crucial in the marathon, and this experience will shape his future races.
Transition from Track to Marathon
Barwal, originally a track athlete, transitioned to the marathon only two years ago. He had success in the 10,000 metres but felt his potential lay in longer distances. The switch required significant changes in training, nutrition, and mindset.
Asian Games: Medals Over Timing
Looking ahead, Barwal's focus shifts to the Asian Games. He emphasized that it is now about medals, not timing. He wants to win a medal for India, and he is willing to sacrifice personal bests for podium finishes.
From collapsing at the finish line to resetting expectations, this is the story behind India's newest marathon benchmark. Because sometimes, even history isn't enough.
