The 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo began with a dramatic display of endurance and emotion as Evan Dunfee of Canada and Maria Perez of Spain clinched the first gold medals in the 35km race walk events.
Dunfee, battling intense humidity and physical strain, crossed the finish line at the National Stadium in 2:28:22 to claim his first global title. “It’s a dream come true,” said the 35-year-old, who surged ahead in the final kilometers after a patient and strategic race.
Brazil’s Caio Bonfim secured silver in 2:28:55, while Japan’s Hayato Katsuki delighted home fans with a bronze in 2:29:16.
In the women’s race, defending champion and world record holder Maria Perez delivered a masterclass in pacing and resilience. She finished in 2:39:01, collapsing in tears after crossing the line. Italy’s Antonella Palmisano took silver, and Ecuador’s Paula Milena Torres earned bronze with a national record of 2:42:44.
Perez, who completed the 20km-35km double in Budapest two years ago, now eyes another golden double as she prepares for the 20km race next Saturday. “I kept fighting throughout the course,” she said. “This is what race walking is about—to aim to be a better athlete and person.”
The races were rescheduled to mitigate Tokyo’s sweltering conditions, but the heat remained a formidable challenge. Despite this, both champions delivered performances that set the tone for an electrifying championship week.
