Deakes wins 50k walk
Australia has its second gold medal at the world athletics championships in Osaka, with Nathan Deakes winning the 50k walk.
“It’s a dream come true,” a stunned Deakes told SBS.
Deakes won in a time of 3 hours, 43 minutes and 53 seconds, 29 seconds ahead of Frenchman Yohan Diniz. The Australian took the lead at the 35k mark and never looked liked being reeling in.
“I knew that if I did (run at my best), then that would be a gold medal.
“World Champion. I can’t believe it.”
Deakes moved to Europe in an effort to increase his chances of taking the next step, having won bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics for the 20k walk.
”To get the shiniest of all is some thing I’ll remember forever.”
”My grandmother at home, is probably flipping her lid.”
Deakes had earlier withdrawn from the 20k event in an effort to stay fresh.
”I think I almost sacrificed a medal by pulling out of the 20k, in hindsight.
”There’s absolutely no regrets.”
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