PODEBRADY, CZECH REP. –– On May 8, Bainbridge-Guilford senior Matthew Wombacker traveled to Podebrady, Czech Republic after being chosen as one of three under 20 athletes by the USA Racewalking National Committee to compete at the 94th Podebrady WA Race Walking Tour Gold Meeting. Selections were based upon current WA (World Athletics) points earned in an effort to afford additional international competition opportunities for elite and emerging elite athletes.

The event is an annual racewalking competition held in Poděbrady, Czech Republic. As of 2024, it is a World Athletics Race Walking Tour Gold level meeting – the highest-level circuit of international racewalking competitions.  

Competing against top racewalkers from several countries including Spain, Italy, France, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, and the host country of Czechia, Matthew placed 24th in the U20 division, walking a 10K in 52:18:00.

What an incredible honor and fantastic opportunity.

Congratulations, Matthew!

-Submitted information by the Wombackers