Kirdyapkin wins 50km walk race

Russia's Sergey Kirdyapkin today won the gold medal in the 50-kilometre walk in an Olympic record time.

The former world champion finished in three hours, 35 minutes and 59 seconds, almost a minute clear of Australia's Jared Tallent, who took silver for the second Games in succession, with China's Si Tianfeng claiming bronze.

Ireland's Robert Heffernan was fourth in a national record of 3hrs 37mins 54secs, just holding off Russia's Igor Erokhin on the line as both athletes were given the same time.

Si looked on course for victory when he wiped out a 20-second deficit and went clear of the field at the 35km mark, but when he faded Kirdyapkin took over at the front and was never in danger of being caught.

Italy's Alex Schwazer was unable to defend his title after being excluded from the Games following a doping violation.