Asian Games: Kazakh race walker stripped of gold medal for ‘improper conduct’
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Kazakh state media reported the result was under review because of Yasmina Toxanbayeva’s footwear.
PHOTO: REUTERS
NAGOYA – Kazakh race walker Yasmina Toxanbayeva’s Asian Games gold medal has been annulled following disqualification from the women’s marathon event for “improper conduct”, organisers said on Sept 28.
Toxanbayeva crossed first in the event on Sept 27 in 3hr 22min 20sec, nearly four minutes ahead of China’s runner-up Danzengquzong, but the results remained provisional pending a protest.
“Athletes must wear only those shoes approved and listed on a World Athletics platform. She was not wearing one, which is why we wrote to World Athletics,” a technical official said on Sept 28.
“Cancelling the gold was their decision, which we conveyed to the athlete. The athlete has a right to appeal to the jury, and she has done that.”
Toxanbayeva confirmed the annulment on social media.
“We fought until the end,” she said in an Instagram post. “Thank you to all my superheroes who fought with me to the very end.”
Danzengquzong was upgraded to the gold, with compatriot Ma Li earning silver ahead of Japan’s bronze-winner Yukiko Umeno. REUTERS