Ian races to world record in Brazil

A STEYNING Athletic Club race walker broke a world record on the way to a gold medal in Brazil last week.

Ian Richards raced to a new world best of 24min-13.10sec in the 5km race at the World Master’s Athletic Championships in Porto Allegre in the age 65 to 70 age category.

The veteran walker beat the previous record - held by Australian Andrew Jamieson – who was also competing in Brazil – by 0.94 seconds.

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It was Richards’ second world record this year after having won two European Championships and set a new world age record for the 30km walk in May.

Richards said: “It’s not every day that you achieve something that was once an unrealistic dream but you have steadily worked towards it and gradually edged nearer and nearer. We are all capable of achieving more than we think we are and what has made it so special was beating one of my main inspirations, Andrew.”

Jamieson was unbeaten in competition since 1999 and holds more than eight world records and world championship gold medals.

Richards decided to take him from the gun and led all the way, gradually pulling away to win by 32 seconds.

Fellow Steyning member Dave Stevens was also competing in the 5km race and started well, but fading to finish sixth in 36-00.43

The pair are competing again this week in the ten and 20km races.

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