Day two at Le Bourget witnessed a spectacular showcase of athleticism and record-breaking feats in Speed climbing for the men and Boulder & Lead events for the women at Paris 2024.
In the men’s Speed climbing category, records fell swiftly as Sam Watson of the USA set a new world record early in the qualifying rounds with a blazing time of 4.75 seconds. This achievement marked a pinnacle in his career, reclaiming the record after a closely contested seeding heat.
Reflecting on his performance, Watson expressed his elation: “Setting a new world record is incredible, especially after a near miss in the qualifiers. The support and preparation from my team have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”
The competition continued with intense matchups, including Veddriq Leonardo of Indonesia equalling the world record with a lightning-fast time of 4.79 seconds, setting new Asian and Olympic records in the process. The evening culminated in a thrilling final lineup, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive showdown.
Meanwhile, in the women’s Boulder & Lead events, Olympic champion Janja Garnbret showcased her dominance by topping all Boulders and finishing the day with an impressive score of 99.6 out of 100. Her consistent performance reaffirmed her status as a formidable contender in the competition.
Among the challengers, Oriane Bertone of France delighted the home crowd with her strong showing, securing second place with 84.5 points. Australian climber Oceania Mackenzie impressed with her powerful start, flashing the first Boulder and expressing confidence heading into the Lead climbing segment.
Reflecting on the atmosphere and support from spectators, climbers like Nonaka Miho of Japan highlighted the difference in experience between Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, noting the electric atmosphere and vocal encouragement from fans in attendance.
As the competition intensifies, anticipation builds for the finals where climbers will vie for Olympic glory and further chances to etch their names in the annals of climbing history.
The action-packed day concluded with promises of more exhilarating performances to come as athletes gear up for the finals on Thursday, August 8.
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