Olympics: Lashmanova wins 20km Race Walk gold

London: Elena Lashmanova of Russia set a world record in the women's 20-kilometer race walk to win an Olympic gold on Saturday, overtaking defending champion Olga Kaniskina shortly before the finish.

The 20-year-old Lashmanova was behind her Russian teammate throughout the race in which Kaniskina was leading until the finish line was within sight. Lashmanova stepped up and clocked 1 hour, 25 minutes, 2 seconds - seven seconds ahead of three-time world champion Kaniskina.

Qieyang Shenjie of China claimed bronze. Qieyang is the first Tibetan athlete China has ever fielded in the Olympic Games. She finished 14 seconds behind the winner.