Nanako Fujii won bronze in the women's 20-kilometer race walk Saturday at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, setting a new Japanese record time of 1 hour, 26 minutes and 18 seconds.

The 26-year-old became the first Japanese woman to capture a medal in a race walk event at the World Athletics Championships or the Olympics.

Fujii broke her own previous Japanese record, set in February, by 15 seconds.

"I have practiced with a determination to win a medal," Fujii said after the race. "I've taken a big step forward," she said.

At the front of the pack, Maria Perez collected her second gold medal of the world championships to secure an unprecedented double-double after also successfully defending her title in the 35 km event last week. The 29-year-old Spaniard slapped her singlet in delight as she crossed the line in 1:25:54, a comfortable 12 seconds ahead of Mexico's Alegna Gonzalez in second place.

It was a redeeming moment for Perez, who had missed out on an Olympic medal by eight seconds at National Stadium in 2021.

"I am the happiest woman in the world," Perez said. "I did not come here today to make history in women's sport. I just came to improve myself and not to focus on the time.

"Last time in Japan, I left with a bittersweet taste. I am leaving happy now," said Perez, who also did the walk double in Budapest two years ago.

In weather conditions considerably kinder than the punishing heat of the 35 km walk a week ago, the top medal contenders clung together in the leading pack for more than half of the race.

With a few kilometers remaining, Perez eased away to take control of the race with her fluid, confident strides.

Olympic champion and world record holder Yang Jiayu of China finished sixth in her first outing of the season.

In a thrilling contest for third, Fujii clung on in the bronze-medal position, cheered on by flag-waging spectators as she entered the National Stadium with Torres close on her heels.

With two red cards to her name, the 26-year-old was in danger of losing it all had she picked up a third and been forced to endure a two-minute penalty.

In the end, Fujii just held on to finish a hair ahead of Torres.

"I have been waiting for this moment for a while and it finally happened," said Fujii, who was wearing a black ribbon to honor her coach, who died last month.

"Winning the bronze medal in my country feels very special."

Hayato Katsuki's bronze in the men's 35 km walk is the only other medal for host Japan with two days of competition remaining.