Russia’s Sergey Kirdyapkin, a two-time world champion in the 50-kilometer race walk, has won gold in the event at the London 2012 Olympics. He turned in both a personal best and an Olympic record with a time of 3 hours 35 minutes 59 seconds. This is the 32-year-old’s first Olympic medal.
Men’s 50km Racewalk: Sergey Kirdyapkin Captures Gold
Jared Tallent of Australia finished second in 3:36:53. Tallent earned a bronze at the 2008 Olympics in the 20km race walk and a silver medal in the 50km event. He also finished third at last year’s world championships and was one of the favorites in the event. Si Tianfeng, who finished 17th in the event in 2008, captured the bronze medal with a finish at 3:37:16.
Reigning world champion Sergey Bakulin will be heading home disappointed after a sixth-place finish.
For complete coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, visit SB Nation’s Summer Olympics hub.
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