On the last day of the African Athletics Championships, which took place in St.Pierre, Mauritius, the 20 km walking races opened the morning program on Sunday with the great result of the Kenyan athletes who won three of the six medals disputed.
20km men
At the start nine athletes representing five Countries: Kenya, South African Republic, Ethiopia, Egypt and Mauritius.
Victory to Samuel Gathimba (KEN) won with a time of 1:22:04 (although on the official results by mistake the time of 1:22:40 was indicated).
In second position, with just one second more (1:22:05), came Wayne Snyman (RSA).
The third step of the podium went to Yohanis Algaw Wale (ETH) who finished the race with a time of 1:22:21, with a new personal best (his previous sona best was on August 28, 2019, and had been established established in Rabat in Morocco).
Gathimba, who won his third title in this competition, told the press in his Country that the conditions of the circuit were by no means easy and that the difficulties of the course combined with the copious rain prevented him from obtaining the entry. standard for participation in the World Athletics Championships (1:21:00).
However, Gathimba hopes to get them in Nairobi, during the selections scheduled for June 24th and 25th.
20km women
At the start nine athletes representing five countries: Kenya, South African Republic, Ethiopia, Algeria and Mauritius.
Emily Ngii (KEN) regained the women's title, finishing the race with a time of 1:34:30
The second place on the podium was occupied by Yehualeye Beletew Mitiku (ETH) in 1:35:48
The bronze went to Sylvia Kemboi (KEN), with a time of 1:39:40.
Emily Ngii also complained about the course conditions making life difficult for participants in walking events due to heavy rain.