Historic Victories: Dunfee and Perez Clinch Gold at 2025 World Athletics in Tokyo

Evan Dunfee from Canada and the reigning champion Maria Perez of Spain triumphed in the intense Tokyo heat to secure the inaugural gold medals in the 35-km walk at the 20th World Athletics Championships on Saturday.

Dunfee, displaying the exhaustion of the challenging conditions on his face, completed the race at Tokyo’s National Stadium in 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 22 seconds, earning his first world title. “This is a dream come true,” expressed Dunfee. “I’m turning 35 this year, but I feel like I’m continuously improving.”

He added, “Patience was key today. It’s part of my strategy, and those who know me understand that I tend to get stronger in the latter half of the race.”

Brazil’s Caio Bonfim clinched silver with a time of 2:28.55, while Hayato Katsuki secured bronze for host nation Japan in 2:29.16.

World record holder Perez celebrated exuberantly upon finishing in 2:39.01, subsequently falling to her knees in tears. Previously, she accomplished a 20-km and 35-km double victory at the world championships in Budapest two years prior.

Italy’s Antonella Palmisano, the 2021 Tokyo Olympic 20-km champion, took silver, finishing over three minutes later in 2:42.24. The bronze went to Paula Milena Torres who set a new Ecuadorian record of 2:42.44. Perez reflected on her win, stating, “I kept pushing throughout, which embodies the spirit of race walking—striving to be a better athlete and person.”

Addressing Antonella Palmisano, Perez added, “Beating her feels special; she is my idol.”

Both races were rescheduled to start 30 minutes earlier to combat the oppressive heat and humidity in Tokyo.

Katsuki and fellow local athlete Masatora Kawano, who won bronze in Budapest, led the men’s race, exciting the fans gathered along the route. Ecuador’s David Hurtado soon joined this leading group but after a transgression, he served a three-and-a-half-minute penalty.

As Kawano faltered in the heat, Dunfee overtook the Japanese competitors, maintaining his lead despite evident pain. “The last 2 km were the toughest I’ve ever faced,” remarked Dunfee. “I drew upon all my strength for the supporters back home.”

In the women’s race, Perez led a five-person group alongside the other medalists, Kimberly Garcia from Peru and China’s Li Peng.

Palmisano made an attempt to break away around the one-hour mark but was eventually caught. When Perez advanced with over 10 km remaining, Palmisano could not keep pace.

Perez now plans to rest before defending her 20-km title for another golden double in the shorter race next Saturday. “I need to recover well for the 20-km and perform at my best, as the 35-km really pushed me,” she mentioned.

Published on Sep 13, 2025.