The Swedish walking star has previously won five medals at the athletics European Championships and World Championships, but then it was silver and bronze. The gold is Sweden’s first medal during the championship in Rome.
Perseus Karlström takes EC gold in the 20 kilometer walk in Rome.
Perseus Karlström takes EC gold in the 20 kilometer walk in Rome.
Photo: Christine Olsson/TT
Perseus Karlström led the field for a long time in the heat, but after just over 45 minutes out on the track and barely twelve kilometers, the Spaniard Paul McGrath pulled a gap of around five seconds to the Swede.
However, it did not take long until the 34-year-old had caught up with the Spaniard and passed. With three kilometers to go, Karlström had a gap of four seconds to McGrath.
One kilometer later, the lead was doubled and when Karlström turned into the final stretch towards the arena, he led by eleven seconds.
Cheers rose as Karlström entered the Olympic Stadium and when he crossed the finish line he was 18 seconds ahead of McGrath. The Swede’s winning time was 1.19.13.
Italy’s Francesco Fortunato took the bronze.