Grace Wagener and Gael Plasencia both competed in the 5000m Race Walk at the World Athletics U20 Championships. 12.5 laps around the track at Hayward Field saw both Americans walking strongly in the back of the pack. It was their debut performance at these Championships and they were amongst the youngest athletes in the field.
Grace finished in 37th place with a time of 25:39.29 behind a new U20 Championship record set by Serena DiFabio of Italy, who led from the gun and crossed the line in 20:57.57. 40 athletes started, 37 finished, 2 DNF, 1 DQ. Grace’s post race interview from Dyestat/Runnerspace.
Gael finished in 33rd place with a time of 21:31.81, behind a new U20 World record set by Isaac Beacroft of Australia, who led almost the entire race as well, and won in 18:40.37. 41 athletes started, 38 finished, 1 DNF & 2 DQs. Gael’s post race interview from Dyestat/Runnerspace.