Athletics-Spain's Perez wins women's 35km walk at world championships

Athletics - World Athletics Championships - Women's 35km Race Walk - Japan National Stadium, Shinjuku, Japan - September 13, 2025 Spain's Maria Perez celebrates as she crosses the line to win the gold medal in women's 35km race walk REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

TOKYO (Reuters) -Maria Perez successfully defended her title by winning the gold medal in the women's 35 kilometre walk on the opening day of the World Athletics Championships on Saturday.

The Spaniard crossed the line in two hours, 39 minutes and 0.1 seconds, more than three minutes clear of Antonella Palmisano of Italy in second with Paula Milena Torres taking bronze for Ecuador.

(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney)