Results

2009 IAAF World Championships - 50km Men's Race Walk

Ahhh, to be right. The race really did begin around 40K. Shortly before, Nizhegorodov dropped out and the Australians slowed from a pace of 21:31 from 30K to 35K to 22:17 from 35K to 40K. 10K to go at the end of a 50K is indeed a very far way to walk in a deceleration mode. This was the blood in the water that Nymark needed as he continued to hammer at 21:43 pace, making up ground, place and time. While at 40K Tallent was still in the lead, his grasp seemed very loose. Instead Kirdyapkin was looking in championship form a scant 3 seconds back. Similarly, Nymark and Garcia looked equally “fresh” with Nymark only out of medal contention by 4 seconds. It seemed the last 10K was shaping up to be one of the most exciting finishes to a 50K in years.

With 5K to go, the race course’s landscape looked remarkably different that a few minutes earlier. Kirdyapkin was in complete control dropping the field with a 21:31 split. The Australians were done and trying to hang on. Nymark was pushing hard, almost too hard as he nearly hurled with a few laps to go. Fortunately, he was able to get his intestinal distress under control as he took control over second place. Seemingly content in second, he never made a threat on Kirdyapkin and the race became for third. At 45K it looked as if Tallent would hang on. He was 44 seconds ahead of teammate Adams and Adams appeared to be no threat. Garcia was almost a minute back, but looking strong and had the experience to pace himself properly.

Kirdyapkin passing his teammate

Nizhegorodov faded badly as Nymark is just getting rolling

Garcia lapping his teammate

Kirdyapkin takes the lead and never looks back

Nymark with two laps to go and looking strong

Tallent not quite capable of keeping the surge going

Garcia showing veteran wisdom with great pacing at the right time

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