A close-knit community, international race walking fans cheer on men in 20km walk at Pontal
Spectators on the morning of Friday (12 August) were delighted with the scenery and atmosphere at Pontal in western Rio de Janeiro
China's Wang Zhen won gold in the 20km walk at Rio 2016, ahead of Cai Zelin and Dane Bird-Smith (Photo: Getty Images/Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Race walking fans from across the world gathered at one of the most beautiful beachside spots in Rio on the morning of Friday (12 August), to watch one of the most curious events in the athletics programme: the 20km men's walk.
Many members of the knowledgeable community of international race walking fans were present to witness the event, which was won by China's Wang Zhen, ahead of compatriot Cai Zelin and Australia's Dane Bird-Smith in bronze.
On hand to watch Bird-Smith's success was none other than his delighted mother Denise, who came all the way from Brisbane to watch her son win Australia's first athletics medal of Rio 2016.
Like many fans on Friday, she applauded not only the race walkers but also the beach district in western Rio where the event was held: with its subtropical forests and beaches, Pontal must be one of the most paradisaical venue for race walking in the world.
The 20km athletes walked in bright sunshine and fresh breezes at Pontal in Rio (Photo: Rio 2016/Denise Mirás)
Spanish fans were also out in force. From Murcia in southern Spain, José Luis Mendonza Pérez and wife Maria Dolores García Mascarell said the landscape here was 'magnificent.'
Central America was well represented at the event. Expert fans Mario and Angelica Frias from Baja California in Mexico seemed to know more about the athletes than most race commentators.
A couple from Guatemala, Miguel and Gabi Villa Nueva, had made the long journey to cheer for Erick Barrondo, who silver medal at London 2012 is the only Olympic medal their country has ever conquered.
In Rio, Barrondo finished back in 50th place.
Clockwise: a couple from Guatemala, Australian bronze medallist Dane Bird-Smith, Mario and Angélica from Mexico, and a group of Hungarian fans (Photos: Rio 2016/Denise Mirás)
There was also a healthy turn-out of Brazilian walking fans at Pontal, including current 50km national record holder Mário Jr., who was there to cheer on local athlete Caio Bonfim. Bonfim finished in fourth, just four seconds behind Bird-Smith.
Brazil's Mário Jr. was out to support Caio Bonfim; young fans Brian andAna Júlia were delighted with the gift of a toy kangaroo from the Australian fans (Photos: Rio 2016/Denise Mirás)
