For the first time in 30 years, a man from Ireland has won the gold at an IAAF World Championship. Earlier here on Wednesday, Robert Heffernan broke that three-decade long drought by upsetting the Russian favourites to take the men's 50km race walk.

Heffernan wins 50km race walk.

Team China had Li Jianbo, Si Tianfeng and Xu Faguang in the field however, Si and Xu soon dropped out of the top 20 after 5km, leaving Li Jianbo as the only chinese in the first group.

As the temperature rose following a cool start to the day, the race became more difficult for the athletes, especially for this poor walker who after breaking his shoes had to go bare foot.

The lone Chinese chasing the leaders half-way through was Li Jianbo but he would eventually fall well off the pace.

Right from the start, Russia's Mikhail Ryzhov and Ivan Noskov took the lead and maintained it. But around the half-way mark, Ireland's Robert Heffernan, who was fourth in the 2012 Olympic 50km race walk would start his challenge of the Russian duo.

By kilometre 35, Heffernan had broken clear of Ryzhov and by the time there was only five km's to go, the Irishman ad opened up a 25-second lead and he would finish in first, triumphing in three hours, 37. 56 minutes, the fastest time of the year.

The 35-year-old Heffernan, becoming the first man from Ireland to win an IAAF World Championship gold medal since 1983. Ryzhov took the silver while Jared Talent won bronze for Australia. China's Li Jianbo came in 26th.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)