Olympic Athletics Race Walk

Steeped in the Olympic Athletics tradition since its inception in 1904 at the St. Louis Games, race walking has evolved dynamically. Initially introduced with the 1500-meter walk, the discipline expanded to include the 10,000-meter walk in 1956. Noteworthy additions followed, with the men's 50-kilometer race walk debuting in 1932, and the women's 20-kilometer race walk making a later entry in 2000.

Throughout its narrative, race walking has witnessed defining moments, from Soviet dominance to Jefferson Pérez's historic victory at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Recent years brought French racewalker Yohann Diniz's world record at the 2016 Rio Olympics, showcasing speed and endurance. Tokyo 2020/2021 featured race walking events, emphasizing challenges in judging and rule adherence.

Notable racewalkers like Australia's Jared Tallent and Russia's Elena Lashmanova have left indelible marks on the discipline's legacy. Their achievements contribute to the unique blend of speed and precision that defines race walking in Olympic Athletics.

Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Games, athletics events will unfold from August 1 to 11. The introduction of the mixed team walking race marks a significant shift, replacing the individual 35km event. Paris 2024 embraces change, introducing new sports like breaking while revising formats and disciplines. In the realm of race walk, the mixed team relay takes center stage for the first time, replacing the 35km individual discipline, adding a fresh dimension to the Olympic showcase.