Russians defend walking title, Korea still without a medal

The youngest Olympic champion in the 20-kilometer walk defended his championship crown, as Korea’s Kim Hyun-sub fell short at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu on Sunday.

Valeriy Borchin came in at one hour, 19 minutes and 56 seconds to reassert himself at the top of the podium, with his Russian compatriot and world record holder Vladimir Kanaykin coming in 29 seconds behind. The teammates warmly embraced one another at the finish line.

Seen as Korea’s best chance of a medal this championships, Kim came in sixth, collapsing onto the floor after crossing the finish line, and carried off on a gurney.

In an interview after the race, Kim said he was still proud of his performance.

“I wasn’t able to get a medal, but I’m satisfied,” said Kim, who crossed at 1:21:17.

“I was motivated when I started seeing top-notch athletes fall behind.”

Kim said he was looking to the future.

“I will focus on next years London Olympic games,” said the national record holder.

Columbian athlete, Luis Lopez Fernandez took the last medal with 1:20:38 after shuffling past China’s Zhen Wang, who was the season record holder this year, in the final stretches of the race.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)