Declan Tingay has had to settle for silver after being overtaken by Canadian veteran Evan Dunfee in the final lap of the men's 10,000m race walk at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Tingay looked to have the gold medal in his keeping when he broke away from the lead group with 10 laps to go in Sunday's final at Alexander Stadium.
But the 41-year-old Canadian took up the challenge and caught up with the 23-year-old Australian.
Dunfee made the critical move with 300 metres to go and surged away to win in 38 minutes 36.37 seconds.
Tingay took silver in 38:42.33 and the bronze went to India's Sandeep Kumar in 38:49.21.
"Evan has built a career off that. It's what he's known for," said Tingay.
"I knew it was happening; in some ways it's inevitable.
"When Evan wants a medal, he's going to get it.
"I don't think I'm at the stage in my career where I can hold off a walker like that."
Australians Kyle Swan and Rhydian Cowley were sixth and eighth respectively.
A day earlier, Australian Jemima Montag won her second Commonwealth walking title with gold in the women's 10,000m.
Asked if he had any concerns about Dunfee's technique on the final lap, Tingay replied, "Absolutely not. If I'm going to get beaten by anyone, I'm happy it's Evan.
"You are going to attract more attention from the judges when you kick away like that. In some ways it's a gamble you take.
"You pit your technique against the judges and honestly that's the half the event."
