On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Canada’s Evan Dunfee and Spain’s Maria Perez won the first gold medals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. They triumphed in the men’s and women’s 35km race walk events. The exciting wins set the tone for a thrilling competition in Japan’s capital.
Evan Dunfee, a 34-year-old Canadian, finished the men’s 35km race walk in 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 22 seconds. He beat Brazil’s Caio Bonfim in hot weather. Japan’s Hayato Katsuki took bronze, exciting local fans at the National Stadium. Dunfee called the win a “dream come true.” He surged ahead with 5km left, despite a tough final two kilometers. Dunfee credited his coach and supporters for his strength.
GOLD FOR CANADA 🇨🇦
EVAN DUNFEE IS THE WORLD CHAMPION
The Canadian comes from fifth to first and wins gold at the World Athletics Championships. A remarkable race by @EvanDunfee in his seventh appearance at worlds. What a start for Canada in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/dPYQODzi6r
— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) September 13, 2025Spain’s Maria Perez, aged 29, won the women’s 35km race walk in 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 1 second. She defended her title, earning her third world championship gold. Italy’s Antonella Palmisano took silver, and Ecuador’s Paula Milena Torres claimed bronze. Perez said she fought hard and aims to win another medal in the 20km race next Saturday.
The United States led the 4x400m mixed relay heats, with a time of 3 minutes, 10.18 seconds. The team, including Bryce Deadmon and Alexis Holmes, beat Britain and South Africa. Belgium won the second heat, followed by the Netherlands and Poland. Italy and Japan also qualified for the final, set for Saturday evening.
The Tokyo 2025 Championships highlight top athletes like Dunfee and Perez. Their wins show the strength and spirit of race walking. With exciting events like the mixed relay, the competition draws global attention. The National Stadium, empty during the 2021 Olympics, now buzzes with fans, adding to the event’s energy.
