The shadow of the greatest race walker of recent times, Robert Korzeniowski of Poland, continues to linger over those battling to emulate him. But the man himself believes that there is a worthy successor emerging in Russia's Denis Nizhegorodov.

Speaking on the eve of the 50km walk, the longest event on the European Athletics Championships programme, Korzeniowski singled out Nizhegorodov as the clear favourite to take the title that the Pole won in both 1998 and 2002.

"There are never any certainties in athletics - and definitely not in walking events - but Denis Nizhegorodov should win the gold medal this time," commented Korzeniowski, whose four Olympic victories included the 20km and 50km double in Sydney six years ago.

"I would actually very much like him to win, as he has the capability to be at the top for several years to come, and walking, like all sports, needs a hero to attract the interest of spectators as well as potential participants of the future.

"He has already won the World Cup this year and he is still young by walking standards, so he should be able to take another step in Göteborg towards challenging for the Olympic title in Beijing in 2008, when he is likely to be reaching his peak.

"Also, it would be good to see Nizhegorodov succeed as I felt some sympathy for him when he lost the battle for Olympic gold with me in Athens a couple of years ago," added Korzeniowski.

"Yuriy Andronov and Trond Nymark are also serious contenders in my view, but I would like to see my fellow countryman, Roman Magdziarczyk, maybe get into the contest for the bronze medal, though it will be a great result for him if he gets onto the podium.

"Whoever wins, it will be difficult for me to watch the passing of my European title, something that I have been very proud of holding for the last eight years. It was tough last year to say goodbye to my world championship title and after this week I will only have the Olympic crown left."

Korzeniowski, who is only 38-years-old this year, freely admits that he is still struggling to come to terms with not competing any more at the highest level, something he has been making up for by fulfilling multiple roles at Göteborg 2006.

He even got out onto the Ullevi Stadium track in the break between sessions on the third day of the championships for the 800m media race, finishing a very creditable twelth place in the final standings.

However, his main job now is Head of Sport for the Polish national television network that covers the event, TVP. Plus, he is still recruiting participants for the prestige walking competition he organises annually in Krakow, Poland, with this year's edition over 10km for both men and women happening on September 17.

Nevertheless, his proudest moment of the week came when the athletes he currently coaches found success on the Göteborg walking course, in particular the winner of the 20km gold medal, Francisco Fernandez of Spain, an athlete he has been working with for the last two years.

Almost as memorable was the seventh place finish of Korzeniowski's younger sister, Sylwia behind Belorussia's Ryta Turava in the women's 20km walk. Sylwia is finally beginning to make her mark after agreeing to follow his demanding training regime.

"We almost split up earlier this year," he admits. "She had to decide if she would go for it seriously or not. Happily, the outcome is there for all to see in Göteborg. And she is so brave to come back at this level just one year after having a baby.

"It was only a shame that neither she nor anyone else could challenge Turava this time, just as Fernandez was a clear winner in the men's 20km with the more interesting battles going on behind for the minor podium places.

"But my main memories of Göteborg will be of the crowds, who have been amazing in their size and enthusiasm, even for the qualifying sessions. I might not be competing any more but this has still been one of my most memorable championships ever."