Spaniard Maria Pérez claimed her second gold at the World Championships on Saturday, completing an unprecedented walk double, while Caio Bonfim secured Brazil’s first-ever global title in the men’s 20km race walk.
Pérez, who had successfully defended her 35km crown in the sweltering heat last week, raised her singlet in celebration as she crossed the line in 1:25:54, finishing 12 seconds ahead of Mexico’s Alegna González.
The victory offered redemption for Pérez, who had missed an Olympic medal by just eight seconds at the same National Stadium in 2021.
“I am the happiest woman in the world. I didn’t come here to make history—I came to push myself, not chase a time,” said the 29-year-old, who also completed the walk double in Budapest two years ago.
“After my bittersweet experience in Japan, I leave here truly happy.”
Japan’s Nanako Fujii thrilled the home crowd by narrowly fending off Ecuador’s Paula Milena Torres to claim bronze, marking Japan’s first global medal in the women’s walk events.
“Winning a bronze medal in my own country feels very special,” Fujii said.
It was Japan’s second medal at the championships, following Hayato Katsuki’s bronze in the men’s 35km walk.
On the men’s side, host nation hopes for a medal suffered a blow when world record holder Toshikazu Yamanishi—in contention for a third world title—was forced into a two-minute penalty after receiving a third red card.
“I’m very disappointed,” said the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist. “I wanted to win gold and pushed too hard, which led to my disqualification.”
Yamanishi’s misfortune opened the door for Caio Bonfim, who surged past China’s Wang Zhaozhao and Spain’s Paul McGrath to claim the lead. Crossing the line in 1:18:35, Bonfim dropped to his knees in tears, winning his second medal of the championships after a silver in the 35km last week.
“I lost my wedding ring in the third kilometre,” said the 34-year-old.
“I hope my wife will forgive me, because today I won this for her and for our three sons.”
Wang took silver in 1:18:43, with McGrath claiming bronze just two seconds later.
