The World Climbing Series Guiyang 2026 kicked off on Sept 11 in the capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, drawing over 100 climbers from 24 countries and regions to the city for a three-day elite competition.

The World Climbing Series Guiyang 2026 kicks off in Guiyang on Sept 11. [Photo/colorful Guizhou network]

Athletes competed in five events, including men's speed, women's speed and mixed speed relay, delivering a thrilling mountain sports spectacle for residents and climbing enthusiasts.

Speed climbing, the event's core, took place on a standard 15-meter wall and tested athletes' explosive power, technical precision, consistency, and composure under pressure. With its tight rhythm and suspense, the discipline offered intense competitiveness and strong spectator appeal.

Award ceremony for the women's speed climbing. [Photo/colorful Guizhou network]

After fierce competition, Chinese climber Deng Lijuan claimed the women's speed title with an impressive 6.14 seconds, breaking her personal best that had stood for two years. The men's speed gold went to Indonesia's Antasyafi Robby Al Hilmi, who topped the podium with a stunning 4.65 seconds – his first-ever World Climbing Series gold medal.

Guizhou has continued to promote climbing development in recent years, hosting high-level events that attract climbing industry resources to the province and forming a climbing development ecosystem featuring "natural crags + professional bases + competitive training + international events + industry introduction".

Guizhou will utilize its unique mountain natural resources to attract more high-standard climbing events, further enhance its mountain outdoor sports brand, and promote high-quality development of the mountain sports industry.

Award ceremony for the men's speed climbing. [Photo/colorful Guizhou network]