Sunday March 21, 2021
Kaieteur News
PAGE 73
China’s Yang breaks women’s 20km race walk world record (Reuters) - Former world champion Yang Jiayu shattered the world record to win the women’s 20km race walk at the Chinese national championships in Huangshan yesterday, ahead of the Tokyo Olympics starting in July. Earlier in the day, China’s Wang Kaihua produced the third-fastest men’s 20km race walk in history to book his own spot in Tokyo. Yang, 25, sliced 49 seconds off the previous mark set by her compatriot Liu Hong in 2015, finishing with a time of one hour, 23 minutes and 49 seconds. “I walked at a very fast pace in the early stages. The last three kilometres were the
most difficult...a challenge for my body,” Yang said. World and Olympic champion Liu also bettered her previous record, finishing second in 1:24:27, making it the first time that a 20 km race has seen more than one woman clocking inside 1:25:00. Qieyang Shijie also improved her personal best to finish third with 1:24:45. The top three finishers will represent China at this year’s Tokyo Olympics. “My expectation for the Olympics is at least a podium finish, and the gold medal is the ultimate goal,” Yang said. “I believe the Olympic gold medal will belong to China.”
In the men’s event, Asian Games champion Wang paced himself perfectly from start to finish and romped to victory in 1:16:54, taking 42 seconds off the national record previously held by 2016 Rio Games champion Wang Zhen. “My expectation for the race was to break the national record,” the 27-year-old said. “There’s still room for me to improve.” Only Japan’s Yusuke Suzuki, who set the world record when he clocked 1:16:36 at an event in his home town of Nomi in 2015, and Russian Sergey Morozov (1:16:43) have registered faster times. “I’m confident I can break
Sunday March 21, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) An unexpected visit from a gloomy or depressed person might have you feeling a little disconcerted, Aries. Don't try to be too cheerful. It's more important to be a good listener.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today represents the start of a period of endings and new beginnings in your career. You might be leaving an old job for a new one or advancing to a new position with your current employer.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Unexpected contact with a lover, relative, young person, or close friend could leave you feeling exhilarated and optimistic about the future.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your sense of adventure is in full swing today, Scorpio. New and unusual pastimes, travel to exotic places, meeting new and interesting people - all should be on your mind.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Events beyond your control may necessitate repairs to your home or yard, and some may seem overwhelming, Gemini. Don't panic! CANCER (June 21–July 22) A rather unsettling communication could cause you to dwell on the negative side of whatever you learn. Don't fall into this trap. The positive side will become more apparent as the day wanes. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Unsettling developments regarding money could cause some upset, but they'll be resol ved by day's end. You could lose and find your wallet or bank errors could prove to be its fault and not yours. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A fortunate change of circumstances in a friend's life could have a positive impact on your life, Virgo. This situation could involve a lot of adjustment, not to mention hard work.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Sudden personal or professional change could come your way, Sagittarius. Perhaps you will get a new job opportunity. Perhaps you will meet someone who will change your life. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You might contemplate a change of residence, or at least a change in household. Someone could move out or move in. Travel might be on your mind. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Better communication should pave the way for personal and professional advancement, Aquarius. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may feel a little upset and somewhat depressed by a temporary separation from a loved one. As a result, you might throw your energy into creative projects. The results could show a power and intensity that you don't usually expect.
the world record one day,” Wang said, adding that he was looking forward to competing in his first Olympics. “Everything can happen in such a high-level competition. I will go all out to fight for the best result,” he said. Cai Zelin, the Rio runnerup, and former under-20 world 10 km champion Zhang Jun took the second and third spots respectively after clocking identical times of 1:17:39.
Wang Kaihua of China celebrates after winning the Men’s 20km Walk at the 2018 Asian Games, August 29, 2018. (REUTERS/Darren Whiteside)