Tokyo, September 20(HS): Brazil’s Caio Bonfim triumphed in the Men’s 20km Race Walk Final at the World Athletics Championships on Saturday(September 20,2025)held in Tokyo, clinching his first-ever global gold medal in this event. Crossing the finish line in a time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 35 seconds, Bonfim secured Brazil’s maiden world championship title in men’s race walking, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career.

In a dramatic race, Japan’s world record holder Toshikazu Yamanishi, who had been leading for much of the second half, received a time penalty near the closing stages that effectively removed him from medal contention. This development allowed the seasoned 34-year-old Bonfim, competing in his eighth world championships, to take the lead from Spain’s Paul McGrath with two kilometers remaining and maintain it to the finish.

China’s Wang Zhaozhao earned the silver medal with a time of 1:18:43, while Spain’s Paul McGrath narrowly secured bronze, finishing just two seconds behind Wang at 1:18:45.

This victory followed Bonfim’s silver medal performance in the men’s 35km walk at the same championships last week, further cementing his status as one of the world’s leading race walkers. Bonfim, who has previously won multiple medals including Olympic silver in the 20km walk, demonstrated remarkable endurance and tactical prowess in Tokyo’s humid conditions.

Bonfim’s victory is historically significant for Brazil, being its first gold medal in a global men’s race walking event. His achievement reflects years of dedication and marks a proud moment for Brazilian athletics on the world stage.

This gold medal adds to an illustrious career highlighted by multiple World Championship medals and a bronze at the 2023 edition before finally reaching the pinnacle of world race walking.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar