China tops medal table at World Climbing Challenger Shanghai 2026

China topped the medal table with three gold, four silver and three bronze medals as the World Climbing Challenger Shanghai 2026 concluded over the weekend at Xujiahui Sports Park.

The three-day competition brought together dozens of high-level international climbers and more than 120 Chinese athletes, who competed in speed, speed relay and bouldering events alongside the Chinese Climbing League (Shanghai).

China claimed gold in the men's speed event as well as the men's and women's speed relay competitions, while neutral athlete Elizaveta Ivanova won the women's speed title and Spain took gold in the mixed speed relay.

In the men's individual speed final, Ling Yongzhi clocked 4.69 seconds to set a personal best.

The event also featured Shuto Fujino of Japan, with several international athletes using the Shanghai competition as an opportunity to gain valuable race experience ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

One of the competition's highlights was the introduction of a four-lane format in the speed event, which aligns with the latest competition rules for the upcoming Asian Games.

With four climbers racing simultaneously, the format created a faster-paced and more direct contest, adding to the drama for spectators gathered at the outdoor venue in the heart of Shanghai.

The Chinese Climbing League (Shanghai), held concurrently with the international competition, also showcased a new generation of Chinese climbing talent.