Veddriq Leonardo Sets Speed Climbing World Record; Minister Praises Federation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian rock climber Veddriq Leonardo set a world record of 5,208 seconds in the 2021 Speed Climbing World Cup (IFSC Climbing World Cup) final that took place on May 18, in Salt Lake City, U.S.

Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali praised the Indonesian Climbing Federation (PB FPTI) helmed by Yenny Wahid for producing world-class athletes who presented good images of Indonesia in the international arena.

“Mbak Yenny’s cold hands as the chairperson of PB FPTI have proven the well-planned and sustainable athlete’s development. As a minister, I am helped and thank her,” said Zainudin in a press release on Sunday.

Zainudin hoped that Indonesian rock climbing athletes could continue to reap achievements in other international events. Moreover, rock climbing is one of the leading sports noted in the National Sports Grand Design which is targeted to secure achievements at the Olympics.

Two Indonesian rock climbing athletes, Veddriq Leonardo and Kiromal Katibin, broke the world record in the men's speed climbing world championship on Saturday, May 29.

Kiromal Katibin, who just made his debut at the IFSC Climbing World Cup, previously claimed the world record in the first race in qualifying, climbing the 15-meter high wall within 5.258 seconds while up against the host athlete Darren Skolnik. The record was 0.222 seconds faster than the world's best time set by Iran’s Reza Alipourshenazandifar in Nanjing, China back in April 2017.

Several hours later, Veddriq Leonardo broke the world record again beating his compatriot in the final round. He successfully clinched a gold medal with a time of 5.208 seconds.

ANTARA