Kaniskina powers to record third consecutive world 20km walk title

Olympic champion Olga Kaniskina powered to an unprecedented third consecutive world women's 20km race walk title yesterday in punishing humidity in downtown Daegu

Olympic champion Olga Kaniskina powered to an unprecedented third consecutive world women's 20km race walk title yesterday in punishing humidity in downtown Daegu.

The 26-year-old Russian raised her arms in triumph as she crossed the line in 1hr 29min 42sec, 18sec ahead of her nearest rival, China's Liu Hong, with Anisya Kirdyapkina of Russia taking bronze (1:30.13).

The Russian winner, who is also the reigning European champion, was quickly into her stride at the front of a large pack but her rivals could not match her searing pace as the race wore on and she struck out alone. "I was satisfied because the supporters gave me lots of support and the course was flat. Of course the main goal was to win and that was fulfilled," she said.

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