SEOUL, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Olympic champion Aleksandra Miroslaw of Poland shattered her own women's speed climbing world record on Wednesday to win her third world title at the 2025 IFSC Climbing World Championships.
In a repeat of the 2024 Paris Olympics final against China's Deng Lijuan, Miroslaw clocked 6.03 seconds to secure gold, just 0.03 seconds off her previous world record set in the qualification round at Paris 2024. Deng, who has been battling recent injuries, settled for silver again with a season-best effort of 6.22 seconds.
"This one is special. After the Olympics the next year is tough for every athlete who took part, so I'm happy for this one. I think my hard work has paid off," said 31-year-old Miroslaw.
All six Chinese climbers made the quarterfinals, with Zhou Yafei rounding out the podium by defeating home favorite Jeong Ji-min in the bronze medal match, securing her first-ever World Championships medal.
"I am thrilled to stand on the World Championships podium for the first time. It represents growth and a reward for me. I am striving to catch up with Miroslaw. She is my goal," Zhou said.
Led by World Cup winner Long Jianguo and Paris 2024 silver medalist Wu Peng, six Chinese climbers will vie for glory in the men's speed climbing event on Thursday.
With para climbing confirmed for its historic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, the IFSC Para Climbing World Championships in Seoul have attracted unprecedented interest, prompting China and host country South Korea to field their first-ever squads for the event.
Competition across eleven sport classes saw notable achievements, including Germany's Kevin Bartke finally capturing gold in the men's AU2 category to complete his medal set, following a silver in Bern in 2023 and bronze medals in 2019 and 2021.
"It's amazing. I've been waiting quite a few years for this title, so I am overwhelmed I would say. I've been second and third, so now I have a full set of medals," said the 39-year-old.
Aita Sho of Japan secured his sixth world title winning the men's B1 competition, while Angelino Zeller and Markus Posendorfer completed a one-two finish for Austria in the mixed AL1 final.
The Para Climbing World Championships will conclude Thursday with finals of eight sport classes. ■
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