Rio Olympics 2016: Aussie women walk off with historic silver medal at team walking titles in Rome

AUSTRALIA’S women have walked away with two medals in a stunning opening day performance at the IAAF World Race Walking Team titles in Rome.

Regan Lamble in action at the London Olympics in 2012.

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AUSTRALIA’S women have walked away with an historic silver and our junior team a bronze medal in a stunning opening day performance at the IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships in Rome.

Australia picked up a silver and bronze in team events as five athletes produced personal best performances at the event.

Victorian Regan Lamble, 12th in a time of 1:29:33, lead Australia to its silver medal behind a star-studded Chinese team in the 20km walk.

Lamble’s teammates Beki Smith (15th, 1:29:49) and Tanya Holliday (16th, 1:29:56) produced PB’s in the race.

It was Australia’s first ever team medal in the 20km event at a world walking team championship.

“It’s just amazing that we’ve come away with a silver medal,’’ Lamble said.

“I went in to the race knowing that the girls were in good shape and that we could upset someone to win something.

“A decent team result was what we were chasing but to come away with a silver is pretty special.

“Everybody walked so well, we had three personal bests from five starters and we worked together really well.”

Olympian Jared Tallent with his silver medal he was originally awarded after the 50km walk at the 2012 London Olympics. .

Racing with Lamble, Smith and Holliday were Rio-bound Rachel Tallent, 41st in a time of 1:34:16, and Stephanie Stigwood in 67th in 1:38:42.

“I’m so proud of all the Australian girls. We gave it such a good shot and now it’s about bringing on the world juniors. There’s a month to go and I’m pumped,” Billington said.

London Olympic champion Jared Tallent will chase a fourth individual medal at the IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships overnight.

China’s world 20km champion and world record-holder Liu Hong won the women’s event.

Liu clocked 1 hour, 25 minutes, 59 seconds, three seconds slower than her best time this year.

Originally published as Rio Olympics 2016: Aussie women walk off with historic silver medal at team walking titles in Rome