In a historic moment for sport climbing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indonesia’s Veddriq Leonardo ascended to glory by securing the first-ever gold medal in the men’s Speed climbing category. Leonardo's victory, with a time of 4.75 seconds, narrowly edged out Wu Peng from the People's Republic of China, who claimed silver. This win not only marked a personal triumph for Leonardo but also heralded Indonesia's first gold medal at these Games. "I feel so amazing. This was always my dream, and today I made my dream come true," Leonardo remarked, visibly elated. His achievement was a moment of national pride, reflecting the hard work and dedication he invested in his sport.
The competition unfolded with gripping intensity as climbers from around the globe vied for the coveted medal. After a day of qualification rounds, the stage was set for the elimination rounds, showcasing the best of Speed climbing. Sam Watson from the USA stole the spotlight with a world-record climb of 4.74 seconds, but his performance in the bronze medal match against Reza Alipour of Iran demonstrated his resilience and skill. Watson’s record-setting climb was a testament to the rapid advancements in the sport and his own exceptional prowess.
Leonardo, a previous world record holder, demonstrated his extraordinary capabilities throughout the event. In the quarter-finals, he clocked a remarkable 4.88 seconds, outpacing France’s Bassa Mawem, who finished with a time of 5.26 seconds. This performance set the tone for Leonardo's continued dominance. The semi-finals saw Leonardo achieving a personal best of 4.78 seconds, outstripping Alipour, who posted a time of 4.84 seconds. The consistency and speed exhibited by Leonardo highlighted his status as a formidable competitor.
The semi-final rounds were equally electrifying. Wu Peng delivered an outstanding performance, overcoming the reigning world champion Matteo Zurloni in a nail-biting finish by just 0.002 seconds. Wu’s time of 4.995 seconds contrasted with Zurloni’s 4.997 seconds, showcasing the razor-thin margins that characterize elite Speed climbing. Wu’s ascent to the final was a display of precision and agility, making him a strong contender for the gold.
In the final showdown, Leonardo and Wu Peng went head-to-head in a race that would decide the Olympic champion. The final was a spectacle of speed and technique, with Leonardo narrowly surpassing Wu by just 0.02 seconds. The final climb was the fastest of the entire event, underscoring the incredible level of competition and the athletes’ ability to push the boundaries of the sport.
Coach Rudi praised Leonardo’s performance, highlighting the rigorous preparation and mental fortitude that contributed to the gold medal win. “Veddriq’s success is a result of relentless training and his unwavering focus. He and his team have demonstrated exceptional dedication, and this gold medal is a testament to their hard work,” Coach Rudi commented.
As the medal ceremony concluded, the podium showcased the elite climbers of Paris 2024: Leonardo on the top step, followed by Wu Peng with the silver, and Sam Watson with the bronze. The event was a landmark moment for sport climbing, marking its Olympic debut and setting a high standard for future competitions. The men’s Speed climbing at Paris 2024 highlighted the incredible skill, speed, and dedication of its athletes, with Leonardo’s historic win standing out as a defining achievement of the Games.
