Heaptalk, Jakarta – Indonesian athletes Veddriq Leonardo and Kiromal Katibin seize gold and silver medal, respectively, in the IFSC Boulder World Cup 2021 that was taken place in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States on Saturday (29/05). In addition, Veddriq also engraves the world record by successfully beating man’s speed climbing world record.
In the competition, Indonesian athletes were so enthusiastic and formed a fierce competition that clearly can be seen when Vedderiq has broken the world speed record in the semifinal match. Previously, in the Climbing World Cup 2007 held in Nanjing, China, an Iran athlete, Reza Alipour carved the best record by finishing in time 5.48. However, Alipour’s record was defeated by Veddriq in the IFSC semifinal 2021 by chalking out a time of 5.37 seconds.
Competing with his teammate did not bring down Kiromal’s spirit. Kiromal, a talented Indonesian athlete born in Batang, was more spurred on in the final match after witnessing his comrade’s success. The energy, further, was delivered through the race and allowed Kiromal to break Vedderiq’s semifinal record by reaching the speed time of 5.25 seconds. Yet, Kiromal’s remarkable position could not stay longer due to Veddriq’s nick that recorded 5.20 seconds in the final match.
The record produced by Vedderiq brought the athlete who came from Pontianak to win the gold medal in men’s speed climbing for the height 15 meters. Moreover, the Vedderiq’s record has brought him to carve out history as the fastest climbing athlete in his sports category.
On the other side, although missing the opportunity to lift up the gold medal, Kiromal’s amazing fight that placed him in the final match allowed him to grab second place in the tournament by holding a silver medal. Although many obstacles have hindered Kiromal, he remains to sculpt achievement. As the news spread, Kiromal almost failed to join the tournament due to the visa that was not released yet.
“They (Veddriq and Kiromal) do it again. Veddric Leonardo beats his compatriot, Kiromal Katibin, and has made another new record in the sports category of men’s speed climbing in Lake City in a time 5.208 seconds,” said IFSC in its official account on Instagram (29/5).
The commendable performance which was inscribed by the two Indonesian athlete in the race initiated by International Federation of Sport Climbing was inseparable from the dedication and support of Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Los Angeles as the Indonesia’s Government representative.
“The pandemic situation that does not die down and the appearance of athletes infected by the Covid-19 from the other countries make Indonesia contingent have to be more careful.” Stated KJRI Los Angeles in its press release.
For these attainments, Youth and Sports Minister, Zainudin Amali flattered the coaching method carried out by the Indonesian Climbing Federation (FPTI). Under Yenny Wahid leadership, Indonesia is able to produce climbing athletes that live up the name of the nation on the international scene. (WLN)
