Spaniard Maria Perez collected her second gold medal of the world championships in the 20km walk yesterday to secure an unprecedented double-double, while Caio Bonfim gave Brazil its first global walk title in the men’s race.
Perez, who successfully defended her 35km title in searing heat last week, slapped her singlet in delight as she crossed the line in 1 hour, 25 minutes and 54 seconds, a comfortable 12 seconds ahead of Mexico’s Alegna Gonzalez in second place.
It was a redeeming moment for Perez, who had missed out on an Olympic medal by eight seconds at the same National Stadium in 2021.
Photo: Reuters
“I am the happiest woman in the world. I did not come here today to make history in women’s sport. I just came to improve myself and not to focus on the time,” said the 29-year-old, who also did the walk double in Budapest two years ago. “Last time in Japan, I left with a bitter-sweet taste. I am leaving happy now.”
To the delight of the roaring crowd, Nanako Fujii just held off charging Ecuadorian Paula Milena Torres at the line to finish third and secure Japan a first global medal in the women’s walk events.
“Winning the bronze medal in my country feels very special,” said Fujii.
It was Japan’s second medal at the 20th World Athletics Championships after Hayato Katsuki’s bronze in the men’s 35km walk.
Another medal for the host nation looked likely on the men’s side when world record holder Toshikazu Yamanishi led the race, but his hopes of a third world title evaporated when he picked up a third red card to serve a mandatory two-minute penalty.
“I am very disappointed,” the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist said. “I wish I had been more careful. I wanted to win the gold medal so I pushed for it. I had to go for it but that led me to my disqualification.”
Yamanishi’s error opened up the race in the closing stages, and Bonfim blazed past China’s Wang Zhaozhao and Spain’s Paul McGrath to take the lead.
Finishing in 1 hour, 18 minutes and 35 seconds, Bonfim picked up his second medal of the world championships after a silver in the 35km last week, dropping to his knees in tears after crossing the line.
“I lost my wedding ring in the third kilometer,” the 34-year-old said. “I think my wife will be okay because I won today. I thought of all my three sons in the last two laps. I won this for them, for Brazil.”
Wang won silver in 1 hour, 18 minutes and 43 seconds, and McGrath the bronze two seconds behind.
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