China Wins Women's 20 km Walk

China Wins Women's 20 km Walk

Wang Liping won China's first athletics gold medal in the Sydney Olympic Games on Thursday as she crossed the line first in the women's 20 kilometer walk race.

Wang created the biggest surprise in the event, finishing in one hour 29 minutes and 05 seconds.

Kjersti Plaetzer of Norway took the silver in 1:29.33 while Maria Vasco of Spain won the bronze in 1:30.23.

The 24-year-old Wang, who had said she hadn't expected a gold medal, won the event after her teammate Liu Hongyu was disqualified for third fouls at the final kilometers while leading the pace.

Two other leaders were also disqualified.

Elisabetta Perrone of Italy was disqualified before Australian Jane Shaville, who left in tears for running when she was leading into the Olympic Stadium cheered on by host fans.

Wang who came from behind to race into the first group after 12 kilometers and kept second place after Liu and Perrone were disqualified. She was no challenge for the her surprising victory as the Australian leader was disqualified.

"I am so happy to win my country's gold medal which was not a favorite for before the Games," said Wang who was China's third in the event rankings after Liu, winner of the world championships last year, and Wang Yan, bronze medalist four years ago in the women's 10m walk race in Atlanta, who was sidelined with injury.

This is China's first athletics medal in Sydney. China won three gold medal in Olympic history.

Chen Yueling won the women's 10m walk in 1992 while Wang Junxia took the gold medal of the women's 10,000m race in Atlanta.

"Our goal for the one gold medal was reached," said Xie Yalong. "However, we have a long way to go in athletics because we are still no good in most of the events. Wang Liping's victory is very encouraging for us."

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