Massimo Stano of Italy stamped his authority on the race walking world on Sunday, smashing the men’s 35K world record at the European Race Walking Team Championships in Podebrady, Czech Republic. The 2021 Olympic champion stopped the clock at 2:20:43—an eye-popping 57 seconds faster than the previous record set just two months ago by Canada’s Evan Dunfee.
The 33-year-old Italian negatively split the race, covering the final 20 kilometres in just 1:19:06. “The plan wasn’t to chase the world record,” Stano said to European Athletics post race. “It was to attack the final 20 kilometres. That was my mission—and the record was the consequence.”
Tactical patience, ruthless finish
Stano waited patiently before making his move, taking the lead by 24K and dropping sub-four-minute kilometres with precision. By 30K, it was clear the record was in trouble—his split was two seconds ahead of Dunfee’s. From there, he charged home, putting the 2:20 barrier firmly on the horizon.
The podium in Podebrady was fast all around. German veteran Christopher Linke broke the national record with 2:23:21 for silver, while Spain’s Miguel Ángel López claimed bronze and a national record of his own in 2:23:48.
Who Is Massimo Stano?
Stano burst onto the global scene with gold in the 20km race walk at the Tokyo Olympics, where his dramatic final kilometre made headlines. A year later, he won the world title in the 35K distance. Podebrady’s win was more than an individual triumph; it also secured the team title for Italy, ahead of Spain and Germany.
Congratulations Massimo Stano for taking nearly 1min off the 35km world record. 79min last 20km is absolutely insane.Was proud to have this record, if not even for 2 months. Definitely sad to be losing it, but glad to know it’s in good hands! https://t.co/UI6bpZk57k pic.twitter.com/CT2gldunq1
— Evan Dunfee (@EvanDunfee) May 18, 2025
Canada’s Evan Dunfee: record holder to record breaker
Before Stano’s surge in Podebrady, it was Canada’s Dunfee who held the 35K crown. In March, Dunfee clocked 2:21:40 in Dudince, Slovakia, shaving seven seconds off Japan’s Masatora Kawano’s previous best. The Canadian has long been a consistent presence in global race walking, winning Olympic bronze in Tokyo and earning respect for his gritty, thoughtful approach to the sport. While his time at the top was brief, Dunfee’s performance helped push the event forward, setting the stage for Stano’s breakthrough.
