Aleksandra Miroslaw of Poland has etched her name in Olympic history by clinching the first-ever gold medal in speed climbing at the climbing wall in Le Bourget. The talented athlete, who had already set a world record in the qualifying round, showcased her exceptional skills in the women's final.
In a thrilling showdown, Miroslaw outpaced her opponent, Deng Lijuan of China, to claim the gold with a remarkable time of 6.10 seconds. This victory not only secured the top spot for Miroslaw but also marked a significant milestone in the sport of climbing.
Meanwhile, in the bronze medal race, also known as the 'small final,' another Polish climber, Aleksandra Kalucka, delivered a stellar performance to secure the bronze medal. Kalucka faced off against Indonesia's Rajiah Sallsabillah in a closely contested battle.
Despite facing tough competition, Kalucka capitalized on an error by Sallsabillah, allowing her to seize the opportunity and clinch the bronze with a time of 6.53 seconds. The victory not only added to Poland's medal tally but also highlighted the country's prowess in the sport of climbing.
It is worth noting that climbing made its Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago, with speed climbing now being contested as a standalone medal event. Alongside speed climbing, the other disciplines featured at these Games include boulder and lead climbing, showcasing the diverse and exciting nature of the sport on the Olympic stage.