UIPM 2026 OBSTACLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3KM FINALS MEDALLIST REACTION

Women’s 3km gold: Sabrina Daolio

How did you find the course?

“To be honest, it was extremely hot and the race was very tough.

“I made a mistake this morning because I thought the Semi-final was actually the Final. I raced as hard as I could, without realising that there would be another Final in the afternoon.

“Thankfully, everything still worked out. I feel incredibly blessed to have finished injury-free. The number and quality of athletes here were spectacular, and it was a very demanding competition.”

Many people know about the injuries you have faced this year. What have you had to overcome?

“I tore the ligaments in my ankle in March. After completing my rehabilitation, I returned to compete at the Spartan Ultra World Championships, which I won, but I suffered another Grade 3 ligament tear.

“I have spent much of the year rehabilitating my ankle. This was the first race of the year that I entered without carrying an injury, which is a real blessing.

“I would like to thank everyone at home who cheered for me and supported me. I am very proud to represent my country, and I am looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring.”

Women’s 3km silver: Farida Khalil (EGY)

How does it feel to win the silver medal in the 3km?

“Honestly, this was a completely new experience for me. It was my second time trying the 3km Obstacle Racing event, so I am very proud that I challenged myself by competing in something so different.

“I am extremely happy with the result. Of course, I wanted to win the gold medal, but I am genuinely proud to have earned silver today.”

How did you cope with the very hot conditions?

“I certainly felt the heat because the temperature was extremely high, but during the race I tried not to think about it. I focused entirely on the competition.

“I knew that if I concentrated on how hot it was, I might begin to feel tired and think that I could not continue. That could have caused me to lose several places. It was only after I crossed the finish line that I really began to feel the heat.

“The important thing was that I won the medal and managed to cope with the conditions.”

After competing in the 400m and 3km, how will you prepare for tomorrow’s 100m?

“After competing yesterday and today, I feel that the 100m gives me a real opportunity to win a gold medal tomorrow.

“It is important that I remain focused, prepare myself technically and recover as well as possible today. I want to be ready to compete again tomorrow and fight for that gold medal.”

 

Men’s 3km gold medallist: Igor Kriuchkov (RUS)

How does it feel to be world champion?

“I feel very good and I am extremely happy. I have worked very hard throughout this year, and today that work brought me success.”

You finished in just over 11 minutes. What did you make of your performance?

“It was a very good time for me. Step by step, I felt comfortable during the race and began to understand that I had a real opportunity to finish in first or second place.

“The finish confirmed that today I was the winner.”

Was it your plan to allow Brandon Hulley (RSA) to lead before passing him later in the race?

“Yes, I had a plan. I did not want to run too quickly during the first kilometre.

“After that, my plan was to increase the pace, run as hard as possible, move into first place and then try to protect that position until the finish. The plan worked.”

Men’s 3km silver medallist: Evgenii Stoiakin (RUS)

How do you feel after winning the silver medal?

“First of all, thank you to everyone for your support.

“I want to be an example for my students and for my family. To my family, thank you so much. You are the most precious people in my life, and I thought only about you while I was running. That gave me strength.

“I could feel your support. There were moments when the race became extremely difficult and I wanted to give up, but I continued to feel that support from above.

“I thank God. He gave strength to my legs and helped me move from fourth place into second.

“For much of the race, the athletes ahead of me seemed impossible to catch, so I am very happy that I was able to fight my way onto the podium.

“Thank you also to the organisers. The competition was very well organised.”

Men’s 3km bronze medallist: Sergei Gritsak (RUS)

How do you feel after winning the bronze medal?

“The race was extremely difficult because the heat affected me, but I hope this result will make our country proud.

“The entire podium belongs to Russia, so I am very happy for the other athletes who finished first and second. I am also grateful that I had the opportunity to compete and earn a place among such a strong top three.

“For the past week and a half, I have been dealing with difficult physical conditions and injuries. Despite that, I was able to prepare myself mentally, reach the start line and produce this result.

“I would like to thank the organisers for staging such an excellent competition. Everything has been delivered to a very high standard.”