Veddriq Leonardo. Image: Aice
Indonesian climbing athlete Veddriq Leonardo has made history by winning the gold medal in the speed climbing event at the 2024 Olympics.
This remarkable achievement marks the first gold medal for the Indonesian contingent and adds to the impressive record of sporting accomplishments for Indonesia on the global stage.
Historic Moment at Le Bourget Climbing Venue
The thrilling competition took place at the Le Bourget Climbing Venue in Paris on Thursday, August 8, 2024 (WIB). Veddriq faced off against Chinese athlete Wu Peng in a tense final match. With a high spirit and unwavering dedication, Veddriq conquered the challenge of climbing a height of 15 meters in an astonishing time of 4.75 seconds.
This remarkable time showcased his extraordinary speed and precision, allowing him to outpace Wu Peng, who clocked in at 4.77 seconds.
Comparison with Other Athletes
Veddriq’s success is not only a source of pride for Indonesia but also highlights the fierce competition among athletes from various nations. In the race for the bronze medal, American athlete Sam Watson secured third place, finishing with a time of 4.77 seconds, narrowly edging out Iranian athlete Reza Alipour.
This close competition illustrates the peak performance of all three athletes, with Veddriq's speed proving to be the decisive factor in this high-stakes arena.
Journey of Indonesian Athletes at the 2024 Olympics
Indonesia is represented by four athletes in the speed climbing category, but not all were able to secure medals. Alongside Veddriq, athlete Rajiah Sallsabillah faced disappointment in the quest for the bronze medal.
Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi was eliminated in the quarterfinals, and Rahmad Adi Mulyono also did not advance past the knockout stages.
Veddriq Leonardo's victory is not only a moment of national pride for Indonesia but also serves as a testament to the fact that hard work and perseverance can propel someone to the pinnacle of achievement.
