Sunday, May 1, 2005

Deakes sets path set for Helsinki walks The Age - Australian Olympian Nathan Deakes has officially qualified for both the 20km and 50km road walks at August's athletics world championships and believes the stage is set for him to bring home gold. The Athens bronze medallist on Sunday cruised to victory at the 50km men's national road walking championships in Melbourne in three hours, 47 minutes and 50 seconds, ahead of New Zealand's Craig Barrett and fellow Australian Chris Erickson. The win was safely inside the A qualifying time of four hours and combined with victory in the 20km event at the nationals in Sydney earlier this year means his path to Helsinki is assured. It comes just eight days after the 27-year-old law student won a 20km IAAF grand prix in Cixi City, China, in 1:17.33, the fourth fastest time ever and the fastest so far in 2005 10:44:15 PM     comment []

Favourites the winners at Sesto San Giovanni Pre-race favourites Margaryta Turova and Francisco Fernandez were both clear winners at the fourth IAAF World Race Walking Grand Prix event here in Milan today. Turova, put in a 8:27 2km just after half way in the 20km in the morning to ease to a win while Susanna Feitor of Portugal surprises many, and pleased "Team Flagstaff" by pulling clear of last year's winner Elisa Riguada and Romania's Claudia Stef for second place. Francisco Fernandez (supported by coach Robert Korzeniowski, was clear winner too - only slowed by 35C heat on the last 4km. His training partner Ilya Markov was second, Luke Adams third. Ivano Brugnetti was cheered by his own Tifosi to come through for fourth place. IAAF report with top 10 results here. 6:10:35 PM     comment []

© Copyright 2005 Tim Watt. Last update: 28/9/05; 02:17:46.