In an exhilarating conclusion to the men's speed climbing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indonesia's Veddriq Leonardo captured the inaugural gold medal.
The victory marks Indonesia's first gold of the Games and places Leonardo among the climbing elite.
Leonardo's triumph came with a spectacular final run of 4.75 seconds, narrowly edging out Wu Peng of China, who took silver with a time of 4.77 seconds. Leonardo's near-record performance was just 0.01 seconds shy of the world record, which was set by USA's Sam Watson. Watson, who set a new world record of 4.74 seconds, claimed the bronze medal after a thrilling final.
The competition showcased a high level of skill and speed, with Leonardo demonstrating exceptional prowess throughout the event. After an intense qualification round, where only eight climbers advanced, the elimination-style format saw Leonardo and his rivals push the boundaries of speed climbing.
In the quarter-finals, Leonardo, the former world record holder, posted the fastest time of 4.88 seconds, defeating Bassa Mawem of France. The semi-finals saw an impressive performance from Watson, who narrowly beat Wu Peng to advance to the final. Leonardo's personal best of 4.78 seconds in the semi-finals secured his spot in the gold medal race.
The final was a nail-biter, with Leonardo's split-second advantage over Wu Peng sealing his victory. Watson's record-breaking climb and Leonardo's gold medal marked a memorable day for the sport, showcasing the rapid advancements in speed climbing.
With this victory, Veddriq Leonardo has not only earned a place in Olympic history but has also brought immense pride to Indonesia.
For Lykkers, Leonardo's achievement represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication in a sport that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Men's Speed Climbing Podium at Paris 2024:
Gold: Veddriq Leonardo (Indonesia)
Silver: Wu Peng (People's Republic of China)
Bronze: Sam Watson (USA)
Veddriq Leonardo Wins Indonesia's First Gold Medal In Paris
Video by SEA Today News
