Results: David Hurtado takes Pan American Games 20km race walk gold

SANTIAGO, Chile (Oct. 28) — Ecuador’s David Hurtado defied the odds to clinch gold in the men’s 20km Race Walk at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games on Sunday. Completing the course in 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 20 seconds, the 24-year-old secured his maiden senior championship title.

Hurtado seized control of the race after the 15km mark, successfully fending off challenges from Brazil’s Caio Bonfim and Mexico’s Andrés Olivas.

Read more: Preview and How to watch the Pan American Games women’s and men’s 20km Race Walk finals

Bonfim, a bronze medalist at the Budapest World Athletics Championships in August, was among the favorites for gold. He set a brisk pace, covering the first 5km in 19:47 and reaching the 10km mark at 39:40. He continued to lead until the 14km point, clocked at 55:27.

However, it was Hurtado who surged ahead after 15km, dictating the tempo and ultimately capturing the gold in a highly competitive field.

“I am very happy for the entire process we have been going through in 2023 and for the record I achieved,” said Hurtado. “It has been the best year of my sporting career and the best part is that we are not yet where we want to be. We want to keep improving.”

Bonfim, who also claimed silver at the 2019 Lima Pan American Games, found himself in the runner-up position once again, crossing the finish line at 1:19:24. Olivas, who had finished sixth in Lima, improved his standing to take bronze, finishing 36 seconds behind Hurtado with a time of 1:19:56.

The day proved to be a letdown for defending champion Brian Pintado of Ecuador, who failed to complete the race. Pintado was one of the title contenders, but he was forced to withdraw from the race about seven kilometers from the finish line due to nausea and physical condition.

Meanwhile, José Alejandro Barrondo of Guatemala, the bronze medalist from Lima 2019, was relegated to fourth place, clocking in at 1:20:15.

The United States had a lackluster showing, with Nicholas Steven Christie finishing a distant 13th at 1:30:00, followed by Emmanuel Corvera in 14th place with a time of 1:36:21.

Other reports and Race Analysis here

Pan American Games Men’s 20km Race Walk Results