Published By: pmnews
14th August, 2014
Elmira Alembekova of Russia kept up a national tradition when she strode to victory in the 20km walk at the European Athletics Championships on Thursday.
Under a sunny Swiss sky, Alembekova finished in 1hr 27min 56sec, ahead of Ukraine’s Lyudmila Olyanoska (1:28.07) and 19-year old Czech Republic walker Anezka Drahotova (1:28.08).
Russia had suffered a setback to their title hopes earlier in the week when race favourite Anisya Kirdyapkina, the World Championship silver medallist, was ruled out after being taken to hospital with a fever.
It was a second bitter blow after Olympic champion Elena Lashmanova was suspended for two years for doping.
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