The sheer brutality of the conditions ensured the race walk would be a war of attrition. Every finisher is worth their weight in gold.
Tune into the ABC's live radio coverage of the GamesThe women's 20km race walk represented an appalling test of brutality amidst the beauty of the Parisian streets.
Having finished sixth in similarly oppressive conditions in Tokyo, and earning a silver medal at the 2023 world championships, Montag was one of the favourites for a medal in Paris and delivered with aplomb.With the Eiffel Tower looming large over proceedings, and masses of crowds lining the route, the athletes put on a show of gladiatorial intensity.The women's race took place in the heat of the day, pushed back 30 minutes to start at 9:50am local time.
Spain's María Pérez broke away from that pack, which evaporated as quickly as the puddles on the Paris streets in the heat, with Montag chasing hard but just unable to close the gap."We got a little distressed mid-race when moves were made — both staff on the sideline and Jemima herself – but she powered home strongly."Pérez staggered, leaning against the finishing post barely able to move as volunteers wrapped cold towels around her.
"The conditions here, with a bit of overcast skies this morning, it is very hot. Pushing the race back 30 minutes, we certainly thought that would be an advantage for us, given the way we prepared our athletes for heat over the years," he said."We know it's very humid here at the moment. There's a bit of a radiant heat from the sun as well.ABC Sport Daily is your daily sports conversation.
Olympics Heat Race Walking Jemima Montag Paris 2024
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