Alex Schwazer claims first athletics gold medal for Italy at Beijing Olympics
22/8/2008 17:39
Italian Alex Schwazer won his country's first athletics gold medal at the
Beijing Olympics by claiming the men's 50km walk title in Beijing
today.
Schwazer timed three hours, 37 minutes and 09 seconds to finish the
walking marathon in a new Olympic record. The former record of 3:38:29 was held
by Ivanenko Vyacheslav of Soviet Union at Seoul 20 years ago.
"It's the best,
it's the highest level. I'm delighted," said Schwazer, "Last year, I messed up.
This year was perfect for me, everything went well, it's been a great year. I'm
truly happy."
"I wanted to win so badly I had to stop myself from running. I
didn't want to mess up. I wanted to show what I could do," he
added.
Australian Jared Tallent, who already won a bronze medal at men's 20km
walk six days ago, moved a step forward to take the silver medal today with
3:39:27.
He becomes the first Australian to win an Olympic medal in the 50km
walk, and the first Australian man in 102 years to win more than one track and
field medal.
"This is what you do it for. Just warming up this morning and
thinking of all the years of hard work that come down to this. I can't believe
it - two medals at the Olympics," said Tallent, noting that walking in 50km
event was not a comfortable job.
"It is very painful, I'm sore now. My
hamstrings are hurting, but it's all worth it in the end for a silver
medal."
Denis Nizhegorodov of Russia, the silver medalist at the Athens Games
and world record holder, finished third at 3:40:14.
The 24-year-old Schwazer,
finished third at last two world championships, took an early lead from the
start and never lost contention in the leading group of four. He launched a
decisive break inside the final 5km, pulled away from Tallent and Nizhegorov and
rallied to cross the line without any resistance.
"I didn't want anything but
the gold. Last year, I was disappointed because I was told to calm my
expectations down and only go for the bronze when I should go for the Gold,"
said Schwazer, who fell on his knees and wept after he won the title.
China's
Li Jianbo, who remained in the leading group until the 30km checks, was far
behind in the final sprint and place 14th with 3:52:20.
Xinhua
|
