Spain’s Paul McGrath delivered a performance full of courage and ambition at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Saturday (20), claiming bronze in the men’s 20km race walk and confirming his place among the global elite.
The 23-year-old, already the European 20km silver medallist from Roma 2024, broke clear at the 17km mark and surged into the lead, opening up a nine-second advantage with just 2km remaining.
For a time it looked as though the Spaniard, who also triumphed at the European Race Walking Team Championships in Poděbrady earlier this year, might crown his season with a world title.
Cramps impact
But as the field entered the decisive stages, McGrath was struck by cramps that slowed his rhythm. Despite the pain, he fought bravely to the line, eventually crossing in 1:18:45, just two seconds behind China’s Wang Zhaozhao, who claimed silver.
The gold went to Brazil’s Caio Bonfim in 1:18:35, but for 23-year-old McGrath, who had never before stood on a World Athletics Championships podium, the bronze represented a breakthrough moment. “A dream come true,” he said afterwards.
Even in difficulty, the young Spaniard showed maturity, holding his form to fend off the chasing pack and ensure Spain’s second medal of the day following María Pérez’s triumph in the women’s 20km.
“When the leader Toshikazu Yamanishi got disqualified, I was worried I’d be in the same situation,” he admitted. “But I calmed down, stayed focused on my technique, and fought to the end. I will go for gold next time.”