Olympic Speed Walking Records Overview
Olympic speed walking records are the fastest officially ratified times in race walking at the Games. They are recognized by World Athletics and listed in Olympic result databases. These records cover the 20 km and 50 km distances for both men and women.
Fastest Olympic Times in History
The men's 20 km Olympic record is 1:18:46, set by Chen Ding at the 2012 London Olympics. The women's 20 km record is 1:25:02, achieved by Yang Jiayu at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the 50 km, the men's Olympic record is 3:36:53, held by Sergey Kirdyapkin from the 2012 London Olympics.
Notable Performances and Rule Enforcement
Speed walking records often stand for years because the sport demands strict technique. Judges enforce the rule that the front leg must remain straight from first contact until the vertical upright position. Athletes who break this rule receive warnings or disqualification. Major Olympic race walking events are held on roads or tracks, with timing measured to the hundredth of a second.
For the full list of ratified Olympic race walking records, visit the official World Athletics Olympic records page at World Athletics Olympic Records.
