Spain's Alvaro Martin wins men's 2km racewalk

Budapest 

Saturday, 19 August 23

McCreadie Andias 

Spain's Álvaro Martín is the first gold medallist of this year's World Athletics Championships currently underway in Budapest. 

The two-time European champion has added a world gold to his name in 1 hour 17min 32sec after a two-hour rain delay to the men's 20km race walk event in Budapest.

Perseus Karlström came within 7sec after a late surge but had to settle for silver, while Brazil's Caio Bonfim took third in 1:17:47.

Koki Ikeda of Japan led for the first 15km or so of that race, but finished 15th in 1:19:44, while defending champion and compatriot Toshikazu Yamanishi was 25th in 1:21:39.

Kenyan Athlete Samuel Gachimba finished ninth in the tightly contested race clocking 1:18:34-SB.

Gathimba's result ensured his qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympic in Paris. 

Martinez's victory has warmed many as he has  not only managed to emerge the champion but he played a significant role in convincing the Athletics championships Committee to reinstate the race walk which was on the verge of being scrapped.