There are always questions leading up to the Olympic race walks. Who’s in shape? Will a record fall? Will any big names be disqualified? However, this year with the Olympics held in Beijing, China there were many more questions. Would the air be safe to breath? What would the weather be like? And would we be able to watch the race once it left the stadium. Fortunately, the latter three questions were answered all in the positive. The conditions for the race were as good as can be in August in South East Asia. While hot and a bit humid, the skies were blue and the air clean. In addition, fears of restrictions on viewing did not materialize. The race was secure, but viewing was fine.

For those of you that are international viewers, please excuse my fairly America-centric reporting. I promise I will post photos of all competitors I can, but I primarily focused my report on Kevin Eastler, the sole American 20K male race walker.

The race started at 9:00 on the track and then proceeded to the 2K loop outside the National Stadium known as the “Bird’s Nest.” The course was more secure than any race walk I have ever attended. Unlike Athens where press could enter the course, no one not involved with the race itself was allowed inside the course. In addition, in most places people were not allowed to walk up to the barriers, but had to stay a few feet back. The Chinese certainly took the security of the race walkers seriously. While this might have unconvinced some (including myself), I thought the respect shown the athletes was awesome.

Leading the way was Rustam Kuvatov from Kazakhstan. A 1:23 walker, one questioned if he would last. The lead pack behind him did not seem worried.

Rustam Kuvatov from Kazakhstan.

Jefferson Perez, Francisco Fernandez, and Luke Adams controlling the lead pack on the first loop around the course outside the Bird's Nest stadium.