OSAKA, Japan (AP);

FOR RUSSIA, it was a walk in the park.

Olga Kaniskina led a 1-2 finish in the women's 20-kilometre through the muggy parkland outside the Nagai stadium, keeping Russia in close contention with the United States in the medal standings.

And Russia had to do it without defending champion Olimpiada Ivanova, who walked out early when the pain of an old skiing accident became too much.

Instead of 37-year-old Ivanova, a new generation took over. Kaniskina, 22, who walked away from the pack early, was never troubled again. Behind her, 19-year-old Tatyana Shemyakina won silver.

"To be world champion after 2 1/2 years of serious walking training is great," said Kaniskina.

The result left Russia with 12 medals, including four gold and just one medal behind the U.S., who have 13 overall, including six gold.

Meanwhile, Barbara Spotakova of the Czech Republic won the women's javelin title with a national record 67.07m, with two Germans filling silver and bronze positions.

Christina Obergfoll was next at 66.46, her second silver medal at consecutive World Championships, and Olympic silver medalist Steffi Nerius was third at 64.42.