The Paris Olympics are in full swing, and one of the most unique events is the race walk. Athletes are drenched in sweat as they walk a tight loop between the Trocadéro and a brasserie, crossing the Pont d’Iéna and passing by the Eiffel Tower. They must keep strict form, ensuring one foot always touches the ground and their knee doesn’t bend too early.
At the 51-minute mark, an announcer comments on how tired the walkers look. Judges with clipboards watch closely for any rule violations. By the 16-kilometer mark, Canadian Evan Dunfee, a bronze medalist from the 2020 Olympics, is struggling, falling back to 14th place. Despite his exhaustion, he pushes himself, eventually finishing in 5th place, showing the determination and resilience needed in this challenging sport.
Race walking is a misunderstood event, often mocked for its unusual style. However, it’s an Olympic sport that everyone unknowingly practices in their daily lives, like when rushing to work. Elliott Denman, a former Olympic race walker, highlights that walking is the most universal physical activity, yet it remains low in popularity compared to other sports.
The 20-kilometer race walk doesn’t receive the same attention as sprinting events like those of American sprinter Noah Lyles. There were no American participants in the race walk at these Olympics, a first in history. The 50-kilometer race walk was removed from the Olympics, replaced by a new mixed relay event. This decision disappointed purists who valued the endurance challenge of the longer event.
The new mixed relay involves teams of one man and one woman, each walking two legs of a marathon. This event aims to be faster and more exciting, but some fear it might further sideline race walking. The race walk has a unique look due to the strict rules, leading to a wiggly gait that is often misunderstood and mocked.
Despite the lack of American participants, race walking remains popular in other countries. Brian Pintado of Ecuador won the gold medal in the men’s 20-kilometer race, highlighting the sport’s international appeal. However, in the U.S., race walking is overshadowed by more glamorous track and field events, resulting in less funding, talent, and coaching.
Nick Christie, the top U.S. male race walker, missed the qualifying time for these Olympics. He aims for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics while balancing his athletic career with plans to join the Air Force. Christie loves the sport for its combination of speed and endurance and believes that anyone can succeed in it with dedication.
The future of race walking in the Olympics might depend on the reception of the new mixed relay. Jeff Salvage, president of the USA Race Walking Foundation, supports the relay as a way to modernize and save the sport from obscurity. However, some, like Erin Talcott, remain skeptical about its effectiveness.
Race walking has a rich history, dating back to the 1870s when it was a popular spectator sport in the U.S. It became an Olympic event in 1904 and has evolved over the years. Larry Young is the only American to have medaled in the Olympic race walk, with two bronze medals in the 1968 and 1972 games.
The sport is respected and popular in many countries but struggles for recognition in the U.S. Sam Allen, an American race walker, points out the lack of support and opportunities for race walkers in the U.S. compared to other sports.
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The race walk is a sport for everyone. Whether participating in local races or aiming for international competitions, it’s accessible and affordable. Dunfee’s story exemplifies the dedication required to excel in this sport. He overcame bullying and found success in race walking, proving that sometimes walking can indeed be the way to get ahead.
