Spain's Pérez Wins 20km Walk Gold at World Championships

Post by : Monika

At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Spain’s María Pérez achieved an incredible feat by winning the women’s 20km race walk. This victory added to her gold in the 35km race walk earlier in the week, giving her a historic double gold medal performance.

Pérez’s achievement marks her second consecutive double victory, having previously accomplished the same at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

The women’s 20km race walk was a highly competitive event, featuring top athletes from around the world. Pérez completed the course in 1 hour, 25 minutes, and 54 seconds. She finished 12 seconds ahead of Mexico’s Alegna González, who claimed the silver medal. Japan’s Nanako Fujii won the bronze medal, earning the host country its first-ever global medal in women’s race walking.

Reflecting on her success, Pérez said, “I am the happiest woman in the world. I did not come here to make history in women’s sport. I just wanted to improve myself and focus on my performance, not on the time.” She also shared that her previous experience in Japan, where she narrowly missed an Olympic medal by eight seconds, gave her a bittersweet memory, making this gold even more meaningful.

Pérez’s Journey to Double Gold

María Pérez has been one of the most consistent race walkers in the world over the past few years. Her discipline, focus, and determination have helped her dominate both the 35km and 20km events. The 20km race walk is a test of speed, endurance, and technique. Athletes must maintain a fast pace while keeping one foot in contact with the ground at all times, a rule that demands both skill and concentration.

During the race, Pérez maintained a steady pace, keeping close to the leaders and waiting for the right moment to push forward. In the final kilometers, she surged ahead, demonstrating not only her physical strength but also her mental toughness. Her victory is a testament to her training, experience, and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Pérez’s coach highlighted her ability to combine speed with technique. “María has an amazing understanding of her body and pace,” he said. “She knows when to push and when to conserve energy. This balance is what makes her a champion.”

Brazil’s Caio Bonfim Wins Men’s 20km Race Walk

In the men’s 20km race walk, Brazil’s Caio Bonfim achieved his first-ever global title, finishing the race in 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 35 seconds. This victory adds to his silver medal in the 35km event earlier in the championships, marking a historic accomplishment for Brazil in race walking.

The men’s race was thrilling, with Japan’s Toshikazu Yamanishi initially leading. However, Yamanishi received a third red card, which results in a two-minute penalty according to race walking rules. This penalty dramatically changed the standings and allowed Bonfim to overtake the leaders in the final moments.

China’s Wang Zhaozhao finished with the silver medal in 1:18:43, while Spain’s Paul McGrath claimed bronze just two seconds later. Bonfim’s victory is a significant moment for both him personally and for Brazil, which had never won a global title in men’s race walking before.

Overcome with emotion after crossing the finish line, Bonfim dropped to his knees and celebrated the moment. He dedicated his victory to his family, recalling that he had lost his wedding ring during the race but felt that winning made up for it. “I think my wife will be okay because I won today,” he said. “This victory means everything to me and my country.”

The Significance of These Achievements

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo have been remarkable for race walking. María Pérez’s double gold and Caio Bonfim’s first global title represent major milestones in the sport. Pérez has solidified her reputation as one of the greatest female race walkers in history, while Bonfim’s performance has put Brazil on the map in men’s race walking.

Race walking is a challenging sport that combines endurance, technique, and mental strength. Athletes must maintain a specific form while competing at high speeds, which requires constant concentration. Mistakes in form can lead to penalties or disqualification, adding another layer of pressure. Both Pérez and Bonfim demonstrated mastery of these skills, showing that they are among the best in the world.

A Closer Look at María Pérez’s Career

María Pérez’s journey to the top has been marked by hard work, persistence, and consistent performance. She first gained international attention with strong finishes in European and World Championships. Her training routine includes long-distance walks, strength and conditioning exercises, and technique drills to maintain proper form.

Pérez has also been praised for her mental toughness. Race walking competitions are long and grueling, and athletes must remain focused despite fatigue and pain. Pérez’s ability to stay composed under pressure has helped her succeed on the world stage.

Her double gold in Tokyo mirrors her achievement in Budapest in 2023, where she also won both the 35km and 20km events. Winning double gold at consecutive world championships is a rare feat and cements her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Caio Bonfim’s Historic Achievement

For Brazil, Caio Bonfim’s victory in the men’s 20km race walk is historic. He has been one of the country’s top race walkers for several years, consistently finishing near the podium in international competitions. Winning a world title is the culmination of years of training and dedication.

Bonfim’s strategic approach during the race played a key role in his success. By pacing himself carefully and taking advantage of opportunities when rivals received penalties, he was able to secure the gold medal. His victory not only represents personal achievement but also inspires a new generation of Brazilian athletes to pursue race walking.

Tokyo 2025: A Showcase for Race Walking

The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo have highlighted the global nature of race walking. Athletes from countries such as Spain, Brazil, Mexico, China, and Japan competed at the highest level, showing the sport’s competitiveness and growing popularity.

Host nation Japan celebrated its first global medal in women’s race walking, with Nanako Fujii earning the bronze in the 20km event. This success is likely to encourage more interest and investment in race walking in Japan, as the country continues to build its presence in athletics.

Training, Technique, and Mental Strength

Both María Pérez and Caio Bonfim have demonstrated that success in race walking requires more than physical strength. Technique is critical, as improper form can result in penalties. Athletes must ensure one foot is always in contact with the ground and that their legs remain straight during steps.

Mental strength is equally important. Long-distance races are physically exhausting, and athletes must push through pain and fatigue while maintaining focus. Pérez and Bonfim’s performances show their ability to balance physical endurance with mental concentration.

Their victories are not just about speed—they are about strategy, discipline, and resilience. These qualities make them role models for young athletes around the world.

The 2025 World Athletics Championships have been a celebration of athletic excellence. Spain’s María Pérez and Brazil’s Caio Bonfim have emerged as champions in the 20km race walk, adding to their impressive careers. Pérez’s double gold confirms her dominance in women’s race walking, while Bonfim’s historic victory marks a milestone for Brazil in men’s race walking.

These achievements highlight the dedication, skill, and mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level. Both athletes have inspired fans and future competitors, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to historic accomplishments.

As the championships continue, the world eagerly anticipates more outstanding performances in athletics. Pérez and Bonfim’s victories serve as reminders of the excitement, competitiveness, and global reach of race walking, making Tokyo 2025 a memorable event in the history of the sport.

2025 World Athletics Championships