Paris 2024 athletics: All results as Spain takes gold in marathon race walk mixed relay; Ecuador and Australia also medal as event makes Olympic debut
To become an Olympic champion is one thing; to become the first Olympic champion is a feat that will be remembered forever.
The marathon race walk mixed relay made its Olympic debut at Paris 2024 on 7 August, and it was a truly global affair, with athletes from Spain, Ecuador, and Australia standing on the inaugural podium.
Spain's Alvaro Martin and Maria Perez emerged as the first Olympic champions in this event, marking the nation's first Olympic title in any athletics event since Rio 2016.
“This is amazing; this is history, not only for us but for Spanish race walking as well," Martin, the individual bronze medallist in the 20km, said.
For Martin, who had missed the podium in his three previous Olympic appearances, this medal was extra special. “I knew this would be my last Olympic Games. I came here without an Olympic medal, and thanks to Maria, I return to Spain with two."
Perez, who won silver in the 20km individual race, now goes home with the famous triple crown, having won gold in the world championships, European championships, and now the Olympic Games.
"I feel very special because that triple crown - it’s the first time that it is achieved by an athlete in Spain, and I’m fortunate enough to have shared it with Alvaro," he said.
Ecuador won silver, with Brian Daniel Pintado making history as the first Ecuadorian to win two medals at the same Olympic Games, following his gold in the men's 20km race walk. Glenda Morejon anchored the team, despite the pressure of accruing two red flags - walking on thin ice, as a third would have meant disqualification.
Australia took bronze, with Rhydian Cowley and Jemima Montag, who also clinched her second Olympic medal at Paris 2024.
Perez and Martin race walk their way into history
The marathon race walk mixed relay took the baton from the men’s 50km race walk, each team comprised one male and one female athlete, completing two legs to cover the traditional 42.195 km marathon distance.
The Spanish duo completed the marathon distance in a remarkable 2:50:31 with Perez pulling away decisively in the final lap. Morejon stayed close to Perez until the last lap, finishing just 51 seconds behind at 2:51:22. Montag crossed the line shortly after Morejon at 2:51:38.
From the start, Spain and Ecuador set the pace, initially leading a group of eight that gradually dwindled to two by the final leg. Only a few seconds separated the teams when Martin and Perez executed their exchange, but it was Pérez who found something extra in the last lap.
As she approached the finish line, she ditched her sunglasses and high-fived Spanish fans, roaring in celebration along with the crowd who were chanting “campeona.”
The race, contested at the base of the iconic Eiffel Tower, added a picturesque backdrop to an already exhilarating debut, leaving an indelible mark on the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Athletics: Mixed race walk podium
Gold: Spain
Silver: Ecuador
Bronze: Australia