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Maria Perez breaks 35km race walk world record in Podebrady

Maria Perez breaks women’s 35km race walk world record

May 21 (News Wire) Maria Perez of Spain broke the women’s 35km race walk world record by nearly half a minute at the European Race Walking Team Championships on Sunday. Perez, who was competing in Czech Republic town of Podebrady, finished the race in 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 15 seconds, beating the previous record set by Peru’s Kimberly Garcia by 29 seconds.

Perez’s victory was a dominant one, as she finished more than eight minutes ahead of her nearest competitor. The Spanish team also swept the podium, with Raquel Gonzalez taking second and Cristina Montesinos taking third.

The world record-breaking performance is a major boost for Perez, who is a two-time world championship medalist in the 20km race walk. She is now the favorite to win gold in the 35km race walk at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Garcia, who set the previous world record in March, was not competing at the European Race Walking Team Championships. She is expected to be back in action at the World Athletics Championships in July.

Perez’s world record-breaking performance was never in doubt after she took control in the early part of the contest and was never challenged to win by a large margin.

PHOTO: Maria Perez breaks women’s 35km race walk world record. Photo by Podebrady 2023 LOC / European Athletics

Mellissa Henry

Mellissa Henry

Mellissa is a hard-working track and field follower who likes to travel and have fun with anyone she communicates with, for example, go running with them! Yay! Mellissa is a former Pride News writer who now spends her time working with kids and following the sport she loves.View Author posts