LE BOURGET, France — Polish sport climber Aleksandra Miroslaw not only clinched a gold medal on Wednesday, but she also showcased the breathtaking speed of her sport to the world. Miroslaw, with her hair in a ponytail, ascended the speed climbing wall with incredible agility, marking a significant moment for sport climbing in the Olympics.
Aleksandra Miroslaw celebrates her gold medal in women’s speed climbing during the Paris Olympics
Although sport climbing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games in 2021, the unique competitive format overshadowed the remarkable speed of the climbers. Imagine if Usain Bolt had to compete in a combined event of the 100 meters, 1,500 meters, and the steeplechase to win a medal; that’s what climbers faced in Tokyo. The competition involved three disciplines: “speed,” akin to the 100-meter dash, “boulder,” and “lead,” which resemble traditional rock climbing. The combined scores from these events determined the medalists.
In Tokyo, Miroslaw broke the world record for women’s speed climbing, yet it didn’t result in a defining moment, as the gold went to Slovenia’s Janja Garnbret for her overall performance in the combined event. However, at the Paris Games, Miroslaw shattered the world record twice, creating an unforgettable moment.
During Wednesday’s finals, she scaled the wall in 6.10 seconds, just .08 seconds ahead of China’s Deng Lijuan. As she descended, she celebrated her victory with clenched fists and basked in the cheers during the medal ceremony.
Sport climbing is rapidly gaining popularity, much like Miroslaw’s speed. Initially, the international federation didn’t expect to join the Olympics until 2028, said Fabrizio Rossini, communications director at the International Federation of Sport Climbing. The International Olympic Committee recognized the sport’s appeal, drawing enthusiastic crowds to Le Bourget Sport Climbing Venue since Monday.
Spectators have shown an understanding and appreciation for the different climbing disciplines. While boulder and lead remain combined, the decision to separate speed climbing into its own event was partly financial, according to Rossini. More medals mean more athletes and higher costs. However, Wednesday’s thrilling contests proved the investment worthwhile.
American climber Emma Hunt reached the quarterfinals but slipped halfway up the wall. In elite speed climbing, there’s no room for mistakes. Poland emerged as a powerhouse, with Miroslaw winning gold and Aleksandra Kalucka securing bronze. Kalucka’s twin sister, nearly as skilled, highlights Poland’s depth in the sport, though each country can send no more than two athletes per discipline.
The excitement continues Thursday with the men’s quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. American Sam Watson, just 18, set a new world record Tuesday with a time of 4.75 seconds.
Reflecting on her Olympic performance, Miroslaw epitomized the spirit of speed climbing, embodying its rapid rise and relentless pursuit of excellence.
