Rock Climbing World Cup Concludes at Zhejiang Keqiao Station, Luo Zhilu Secures Third Place in Women’s Category
China News Service, Beijing, April 11. The thrilling finale of the 2024 Rock Climbing World Cup – Keqiao Station in Zhejiang, China, wrapped up on the 10th with intense competition among the world‘s best climbers. The top positions in the men’s rock climbing event were secured by Tomato Naru and An Lezuo from Japan, as well as Van Duysen from Belgium, claiming first, second, and third place respectively. In the women’s rock climbing event, Yania Gamblet from Slovenia took the top spot, followed by Camila Moroni from Italy and Luo Zhilu from China, who clinched third place.
The competition saw 136 top rock climbers from 33 countries and regions battling it out, including renowned athletes like Ania Gamblett from Slovenia and Anle Suito from Japan. Notably, 16 rock climbers who have qualified for the biathlon event in the upcoming Paris Olympics participated in the event, showcasing the high stakes at play.
The Chinese team, taking advantage of their home-court advantage, fielded 13 athletes, including seasoned players like Zhang Yuetong and rising star Luo Zhilu. The young Chinese climbers put up a commendable performance, with Luo Zhilu impressively securing third place in the women’s rock climbing event.
The competition highlighted the shift towards younger age groups in the sport, with talented youngsters like Chen Xuanzhen and Hu Junzhe from China making waves on the global stage. The event took place at the Yangshan Rock Climbing Center in Shaoxing, an architectural marvel that encapsulates the growth and popularity of rock climbing in China.
Keqiao District, known as the “blessed place” for Chinese rock climbing, has continued to foster the sport’s development post the Hangzhou Asian Games. With initiatives aimed at enhancing competitive climbing levels and utilizing Asian Games venues effectively, the district is poised to become a hub for this evolving sport.
With the successful conclusion of the Rock Climbing World Cup at Keqiao Station, the event has set a high standard for future competitions and showcased China’s growing prowess in the sport. The event was hosted by the International Climbing Federation and organized by the Mountaineering Management Center of the State Sports General Administration, the Chinese Mountaineering Association, the Shaoxing Sports Bureau, and the Keqiao District People’s Government of Shaoxing City.