Results

2009 IAAF World Championships - 20km Women's Race Walk

The final 5K saw Kaniskina battle only herself as she clocked a 21:47 last 5K. While the strain was quite evident on her face, the joy of marching to her third major title in a row might have dulled the pain just a bit. Irelenad's Olive Loughnane battle fiercely with China's Hong Liu for the 2nd and 3rd spot. Loughnane's head shook side to side with each stride, providing an almost violent air to her gait. Clearly, it was working as Liu took a back seat content to walk a stride behind.

While Kirdyapkina continued to look smooth in 4th, Vera Santos of Portugal and Beatriz Pascual of Portugal worked up into 5th and 6th place. Struggling in the heat and with the judges Platzer continued to fade.

Kaniskina with 2 laps to go

Kaniskina with 2 laps to go

Olive Loughnane taking control over Hong Liu

Kiniskina showing the strain

One lap to go and our duo is still locked in combat

Loughname and Liu as matched as close as can be with 2K remaining

Kirdyapkina solidly in 4th

Plazter just before her DQ

Beatriz Pascal in 6th place just behind Vera Santos (not shown)

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