Chen Race Walks home to gold

Cina's Chen Ding strolled to gold in the men's 20km Race Walk.

Gold medallist Chen Ding of China poses
(L-R) Silver medalist Erick Barrondo of Guatemala, gold medalist, Ding Chen of China, and bronze medalist Zhen Wang of China celebrate their medals in the Men's 20k Walk on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium
Athletes walk past the gates of Buckingham Palace
Athletes walk past the gates of Buckingham Palace during the Race Walk Athletics on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium

Chen, 19, led from the 14km stage and pulled away from the pack to finish the race in an Olympic record 1:18.46.

He was followed home by Guatemala's Erick Barrondo for silver and Wang Zhen, who had earlier led the field but took bronze.

Russia's Valeriy Borchin, the defending champion, had moved up to second by the 16km stage but collapsed with the finish in sight.

Chen picked up the pace to pull clear of the field and began high-fiving the crowd as he approached The Mall.

A late burst took Barrondo well ahead in second, with Wang 39 seconds behind the winner.

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