Peruvian sprinter Kimberly Garcia León won her first gold at the 18th World Championships in Athletics when she placed first in the 20K on Friday in Eugene, USA.

Garcia León set a time of 1 hour 26 minutes 58 seconds, setting a national record ahead of Katharina Diblo of Poland, who won silver in a time of 1.27:31, also a national record, and Jiji Qiang of China, who won bronze. (1.27:56 hours).

This is the second participation of Garcia Leon in the World Championship after the first in London in 2017, when she finished seventh.

“I dreamed of this medal since childhood,” said Garcia Leon.

She added: “I want to dedicate it to all Peruvians. They will be very proud. This is our first World Championship medal and I hope it won’t be the last.”

“I stayed focused on my goal of getting a medal. I thought about it throughout the race and it worked.”

“I am happy and proud of myself. I worked hard, hoping to be in a good position. It wasn’t easy, but I’m a fighter,” she added.

Garcia León will take part in the 35K race next Friday.