Spain Triumphs in Historic Olympic Mixed Relay Walking Marathon
Spain made history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by clinching its first gold medal in athletics, thanks to the stellar performance of María Pérez and Álvaro Martín. The duo dominated the mixed relay walking marathon, finishing with a remarkable time of 2:50:31, 51 seconds ahead of their closest competitors from Ecuador.
A New Era for Spanish Racewalking
This victory marks a significant milestone not only for Pérez and Martín but also for Spanish racewalking as a whole. Pérez, who previously won silver in the women's 20 km walk, has now achieved a triple crown, having secured gold in both the European and world championships. Martín, who confirmed this would be his last Olympic appearance, expressed immense pride in their accomplishment, stating, "This is incredible, this is history, not only for us but also for Spanish racewalking."
The Competitive Landscape of the Event
The mixed relay walking marathon, a new Olympic event, showcased a thrilling competition. The Spanish team maintained a strong lead throughout the race, utilizing their impeccable technique and teamwork. Ecuador's Glenda Morejón and Brian Pintado finished with silver, while Australia secured bronze. The event, which replaces the men's 50 km walk, consists of four relays shared between a man and a woman, culminating in a total distance of 42.195 km. This innovative format is set to redefine the landscape of racewalking in future Olympic Games.
