Russian racewalker Kaniskina wins Olympic gold

Russia's Olga Kaniskina won Russia's 14th gold medal of the Beijing Olympics on Thursday in the women's 20 km walk.

MOSCOW, August 21 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Olga Kaniskina won Russia's 14th gold medal of the Beijing Olympics on Thursday in the women's 20 km walk.

The world champion finished with a time of one hour 26 minutes and 31 seconds, setting a new Olympic record.

Norway's Kjersti Platzer took silver, 36 seconds behind the Russian, while Italy's Elisa Rigaudo came third with a time of 1:27:12.

Russia's Tatyana Sibileva came 12th with a time of 1:28:28. Compatriot Tatyana Kalmykova, who had held fifth place until 12 km, was disqualified for infringements of racewalking rules.

Women's racewalking has been an Olympic sport since 1992.