Missed it by that much: Walk world record ruled out after course was too short
An astonishing women’s world 20km walk record was ruled out at the Pan American Games when organisers realised the course was three kilometres too short.
Peru’s Kimberly Garcia looked puzzled to have utterly demolished the world record for the 20 kilometre walk in Chile – until she discovered the course was several kilometres short.
Garcia’s time was voided when officials realised the error after the 2022 world champion crossed the finish line in a time of one hour 12 minutes 26 seconds, which would have demolished China’s Jiayu Yang’s world record of 1:23.49 by more than 11 minutes.
Ecuador’s Glenda Morejon took silver and Peru’s Evelyn Inga bronze after completing a route which athletes believe was about three kilometres too short.
With the women’s event completed and the men’s race about to get under way, organisers delayed the start for over an hour to quickly remeasure the route to the official distance.
Ecuador’s Alexander Hurtado then went on to win the men’s gold in 1:19.20, just four seconds ahead of world championship bronze medallist Caio Bonfim of Brazil.
“In relation to the women’s race walk event held today in Parque O’Higgins, we inform that the official race times are null and void due to a measurement problem that is the exclusive responsibility of the Pan American Athletics Association (APA),” said the Santiago Organising Committee in a statement.
“The expert commissioned by APA, Mr. Marcelo Ithurralde, did not take accurate measurements of the route the athletes took during the race.
“As established by international regulations, APA is the only organisation authorised to carry out measurements and therefore is responsible for the official distance of the competition.”
The APA did not respond to a Reuters request to explain the reasons behind the error but both the organising committee and the Pan American Sport Organisation were quick to lay blame.
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“For its part, the Santiago 2023 Corporation is in charge of hiring the expert designated by APA and facilitating his work in the field of competitions,” said the organising committee.
“We deeply regret the inconvenience for the athletes, their coaches, the public and the attending press, but this situation cannot be attributed to the organising committee.”
-Reuters
