Alex Schwazer Makes Triumphant Return, Posts Fourth-Best Italian Time Ever in 10,000m
Trending: Doping Redemption Stories Inspire Track World
In a stunning comeback that has reignited debates on second chances in athletics, Italian racewalker Alex Schwazer returned to competitive racing on September 6, 2025, clocking a blistering time in the 10,000 meters that ranks as the fourth fastest in Italian history. The 39-year-old’s performance at the Italian Championships in Campi Bisenzio, near Florence, not only marked his first track race in nearly a decade but also served as a poignant test ahead of his Paris Olympics bid—delayed to 2026 due to scheduling shifts. Schwazer’s feat, achieved despite his past doping scandals, symbolizes resilience and has drawn praise from fans and critics alike, highlighting the evolving landscape of redemption in elite sports.
A Historic Lap on the Track
Schwazer, a former Olympic gold medalist in the 50km race walk, crossed the finish line in 27:59.89 during the men’s 10,000m event, shattering the Italian all-comers record and securing fourth place on the national all-time list. Only three Italians have ever run faster: Stefano La Rosa (27:32.52 in 2013), Daniele Meucci (27:49.20 in 2011), and Andrea Arlotti (27:56.34 in 1998). The time, verified by World Athletics standards, came in a low-key national meet but carried massive symbolic weight for Schwazer, who has been barred from competition since 2016 due to a positive EPO test.
“This was just a training run, but it feels like a victory,” Schwazer said post-race, as reported by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport on September 7, 2025. “I’ve worked so hard to come back, and today proves I’m ready for more.” His coach, Savino Rinaldi, echoed the sentiment: “Alex is not just walking again; he’s running toward his future. This time shows his potential is limitless.” The event drew a modest crowd, but social media erupted, with #SchwazerReturn trending in Italy, amassing over 50,000 posts in 24 hours.
Schwazer’s pivot to the 10,000m is strategic: race walking events are under scrutiny for doping, and the longer track distance allows him to build endurance without the immediate glare of international walks. He plans to compete in marathons next, eyeing qualification for the 2026 European Championships.
The Road Back: From Scandal to Second Chance
Schwazer’s career has been a rollercoaster. Born in Val Venosta, Italy, in 1984, he burst onto the scene with gold in the 50km walk at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, followed by silver in London 2012. But his world crumbled in 2012 when he tested positive for EPO just before the Games, leading to an 18-month ban. A second violation in 2016 extended his suspension to eight years, ending in 2024 after a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) cleared him for national events in January 2025, a decision upheld despite controversy from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
During his exile, Schwazer trained relentlessly, documenting his journey in the 2018 documentary The Last Race, directed by Angelo Carbone. “I lost everything—my medals, my family, my identity—but running saved me,” he reflected in a pre-race interview with ANSA. His return aligns with broader reforms in athletics, including WADA’s 2025 push for stricter but fairer re-entry protocols for reformed athletes. Critics, including former rival Jefferson Pérez, argue it sets a poor precedent, but supporters like Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò hail it as “a story of human redemption.”
This isn’t Schwazer’s first brush with distance running; he has dabbled in marathons during bans, but the 10,000m marks his official re-entry under FIDAL rules. His time, while impressive, pales against world elites like Kenya’s Ronald Kwemoi (26:38.85), but for an athlete returning after eight years, it’s a benchmark of fitness.
Background: Race Walking’s Turbulent World and Olympics Delay
Race walking, a niche Olympic discipline requiring one foot on the ground at all times, has been plagued by doping scandals—over 20% of medals from 2000-2016 were stripped, per a 2023 IAAF report. Schwazer’s cases epitomized this, fueling calls for the event’s Olympic removal, though it remains for 2028 Los Angeles. The Paris 2024 Olympics, postponed elements to 2026 due to global scheduling conflicts from the pandemic’s lingering effects, gives Schwazer a window to qualify.
Italy’s track history in the 10,000m is storied but sparse at the top levels, with no Olympic medals since 1960. Schwazer’s mark elevates him among legends like La Rosa, who competed in three Olympics. The performance boosts Italy’s depth ahead of the 2026 Worlds in Tokyo.
Impact and Next Steps
Schwazer’s return could reshape perceptions of doping redemption, potentially inspiring other banned athletes while testing WADA’s oversight. If he qualifies for major events, expect heightened scrutiny—random tests and media storms. For Italian athletics, it’s a morale booster; FIDAL reports a 15% uptick in youth participation post-Schwarzergate resolution.
Looking ahead, Schwazer eyes the Venice Marathon in October 2025 as his next milestone, aiming for a sub-2:15 finish to solidify his comeback. “The Olympics are the dream, but today is about proving I belong,” he said. WADA has confirmed monitoring but no immediate challenges.
Conclusion: A Step Forward in a Storied Comeback
Alex Schwazer’s fourth-best Italian 10,000m time ever is more than a statistic—it’s a defiant stride toward reclaiming his legacy after years in the shadows. Amid doping’s scars on track and field, his story offers hope that perseverance can outpace punishment. For athletes and fans, the takeaway is profound: redemption isn’t just possible; with grit and time, it can be record-breaking. As Schwazer eyes the Olympics, the world watches if this return run leads to gold—or more controversy.