?The reigning Olympic and world champion, Olga Kaniskina from Russia, added the European crown to her titles with a comfortable win in the 20 kilometers walk in Barcelona on Wednesday.

Kanishina strode off the front of the pack after five kilometres and crossed the finishing line in an impressive 1 hour, 27 minutes and 44 seconds, over a minute ahead of her compatriot Anysia Kirdyapkina.

Olga Sokolova finished third to give Russia a clean sweep of the medals.

Meanwhile, there was disappointment for the home crowd in Barcelona as Spanish favorite Maria Vasco had to retire through injury in what was the 34 year-old last chance of European glory.

Beatriz Pascual saved home honor with a hard battled fifth place.