2012 London Olympics – Track and Field: Chen Ding of China wins gold in men’s 20K walk at London Olympics – The Washington Post

LONDON — Chen Ding started celebrating before the race was even over.

He captured gold for China in the 20-kilometer walk at the London Olympics on Saturday by 11 seconds — enough of a cushion that he could slap the hands of the fans watching the final length of the race.

“By the last lap, I saw I was so far away from everybody that I knew I could win,” Chen said.

He raised his arms in joy at the final turn, in front of Buckingham Palace, before focusing on the last meters of the race. Competitors in the walk can be disqualified if both their feet appear to be off the ground at the same time.

Chen took the lead for good at the 18-kilometer mark and finished in 1 hour, 18 minutes, 45 seconds. The gold medal came a day before his 20th birthday.

via Chen Ding of China wins gold in men’s 20K walk at London Olympics – The Washington Post.