2026 Rock Climbing World Cup Guiyang kicks off, Chinese athlete Deng Lijuan wins gold medal in women's speed race

China News Service, Guiyang, September 12 (Reporter Zhang Wei) The opening ceremony of the 2026 Rock Climbing World Cup Guiyang Station was held on the 11th at the Guizhou Caihu International Rock Climbing Center. Chinese player Deng Lijuan won the gold medal in the women's speed race, while Ling Yongzhi and Chu Shouhong won the silver and bronze medals in the men's speed race respectively.

On the evening of September 11, the opening ceremony of the 2026 Rock Climbing World Cup Guiyang Station was held at the Guizhou Caihu International Rock Climbing Center. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhang Wei

The World Climbing World Cup is the world's highest level series of rock climbing events hosted by the World Climbing Federation. This event attracted 99 athletes and 4 neutral athletes from 24 countries and regions to compete in five events: men's speed, women's speed, men's speed relay, women's speed relay and mixed speed relay.

As one of the most ornamental competitions among rock climbing events, speed climbing requires athletes to complete rapid climbs on a 15-meter standard rock wall, which places extremely high demands on explosive power, technical stability and ability to perform on the spot. This event brings together many speed climbing experts. All the top ten athletes in the world in men's speed events participate, and 7 of the top ten athletes in the world in women's speed events make an appearance.

On the evening of September 11, the men’s speed competition was held. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhang Wei

After 11 days of qualifying competition, a total of 18 athletes from the Chinese team advanced to the men's and women's speed finals that night. After fierce competition, in the men's speed final, the Indonesian player won the championship with a time of 4.65 seconds. Chinese player Ling Yongzhi won the silver medal in 4.75 seconds and Chu Shouhong won the bronze medal in 4.80 seconds.

In the women's speed final, Deng Lijuan won the championship with a time of 6.14 seconds. Ukraine's Polina and South Korea's Jung Jimin won the silver and bronze medals respectively.

On the evening of September 11, the top three in the women's speed event of the 2026 Rock Climbing World Cup Guiyang Station took a group photo, and Chinese player Deng Lijuan (middle) won the gold medal. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhang Wei

"Don't give up easily." Deng Lijuan, who has experienced many injuries, said after the game that she strives for another breakthrough and wants to stand on the highest podium in Los Angeles. (over)