Watson breaks men's speed climbing world record
Bali, May 3 (UNI) American Samuel Watson claimed the men's speed climbing gold in a world record time of 4.64 seconds at the IFSC World Cup Bali, marking his fifth record-breaking performance in this event.
During recent winter training, both Watson and China's 15-year-old rising star Zhao Yicheng - who has not yet reached the age limit for international competition this year - posted consecutive performances under 4.70 seconds.
The international climbing community had been highly anticipative of a new record ahead of the World Cup season opener in Wujiang, east China's Jiangsu Province last week, but only saw Watson finish fourth after slipping in the semifinals.
Watson did not keep the world waiting long, as he set a new world record of 4.67 seconds in the semifinal against Indonesia's Raharjati Nursamsa in Bali.
Less than 10 minutes later, he improved his own record by 0.03 seconds in the final against Japan's Ryo Omasa. "To be quite honest, I didn't expect to break the world record," Watson admitted regarding the challenging weather conditions in Bali.
"The qualifies and the practice were boiling, I had to put an ice bucket on my head. But I am a competitor, I want to compete regardless of what's going on. The conditions affect everybody."
19-year-old Watson is a bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, where he set the previous world record of 4.74 seconds in the bronze medal match.
The women's speed gold went to world record holder Aleksandra Mikjailova of Poland, who beat China's Zhou Yafei in the final in Bali. Indonesia climbers Kiromal Katibin and Adi Asih Kadek
secured the men's and women's bronze, respectively.
Speed climbing features a unified 15-meter track for both men and women and holds the shortest time record of all Olympic events.
Since being included as a standalone sport in the Olympics, its world record has been frequently broken during the Paris 2024 cycle, with both the men's and women's records having been broken seven times each (not including this latest record) since 2023.
UNI BM
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
'Sir David': Beckham Knighted For Services To Football And Charity
Last Updated: England and Manchester United legend Beckham was named in the King Charles' Birthday Honours list on Saturday. David Beckham was knighted for his services to the game of football and his activities towards charity as the 50-year-old was named in the King Charles' Birthday Honours list on Saturday. Beckham, who earned 115 international caps for the England national team, is set to join other renowned figures in British sporting history, such as former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and tennis legend Andy Murray. In 2003, Beckham was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and his wife, former Spice Girls star Victoria, received the same honour for her contributions to the fashion industry. Since 2005, Beckham has served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and is also involved with the King's Foundation, supporting educational initiatives to raise awareness among the next generation about nature. The former Manchester United star was initially set to receive the high honour in 2012 for his efforts in bringing the Olympics to the United Kingdom, but the nomination was put on hold due to alleged tax evasion charges that were eventually dropped. Beckham made over 700 appearances in a distinguished career, known for his exceptional free-kick skills and precise long passes. He won the Premier League title six times and a UEFA Champions League trophy during his time at Manchester United under Ferguson. However, in 2003, Beckham transferred to Spanish giants Real Madrid following a disagreement with Ferguson. He remained with the Galacticos until 2007 before moving to the USA to play for LA Galaxy. Beckham also spent a couple of seasons on loan at Serie A club AC Milan before finishing his illustrious career at French side PSG, where he retired with 127 goals across all competitions. In 2014, Beckham announced his intention to exercise the option of buying an MLS expansion team, Inter Miami. He has significantly advanced the development of the Florida-based club, attracting star players like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. First Published: June 14, 2025, 07:31 IST
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Latest NBA Trade Proposal pairs $194 million Phoenix Suns superstar with Minnesota Timberwolves giant Anthony Edwards
The NBA offseason is heating up, and one of the biggest storylines is Kevin Durant's future. After a disappointing playoff run with the Phoenix Suns, trade rumors are swirling, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as a potential landing spot. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks, a blockbuster trade could send Durant to Minnesota, pairing him with rising star Anthony Edwards. The proposed deal would shake up both teams' rosters and give the Timberwolves a legitimate championship contender. Proposed Trade Details The hypothetical trade outlined by Marks would involve multiple players and picks: Timberwolves receive: - Kevin Durant Suns receive: - Rudy Gobert - Donte DiVincenzo - Mike Conley - 2025 1st-round pick (17th overall) This trade would address key needs for both teams. The Suns, struggling to find a long-term solution at center, would get Gobert—a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. DiVincenzo adds depth as a reliable two-way player, while Conley's expiring contract helps Phoenix clear future cap space. For Minnesota, acquiring Durant would be a franchise-altering move. How the Minnesota Timberwolves' Lineup Would Look Former NBA player hints at Kevin Durant's next stop amidst ongoing trade rumors (Image Credit: Getty Images) If the trade goes through, Minnesota's starting five could look like this: Position Player PG Terrance Shannon Jr. SG Anthony Edwards SF Kevin Durant PF Julius Randle C Naz Reid This lineup assumes Randle and Reid return (both have player options). The combination of Edwards and Durant would create one of the most dynamic scoring duos in the league. - Anthony Edwards – A rising superstar with elite scoring and athleticism. - Kevin Durant – A proven champion and one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. - Julius Randle & Naz Reid – Versatile big men who can stretch the floor. - Terrance Shannon Jr. – A promising young guard who showed flashes as a rookie. The Timberwolves would have elite scoring at every position, along with improved floor spacing and pick-and-roll versatility. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mutual Respect Between Durant and Edwards The chemistry between Durant and Edwards is already strong. Edwards has openly admired Durant, calling him his favorite player. "Who I look to for advice? Of course KD, that's my favorite player of all time, anything I wanna ask I go straight to him," Edwards said last year when the two were teammates on the Olympic squad. This existing relationship could make the transition seamless, giving Minnesota a lethal offensive duo. Challenges and Cap Considerations While the trade is enticing, the Timberwolves face financial hurdles: - They are a first-apron team, limiting their flexibility. - Player options for Randle and Reid could impact cap space. - Integrating Durant while maintaining depth won't be easy. Still, if Minnesota is serious about contending, this move could push them into title contention. The Timberwolves have a real shot at landing Kevin Durant. Pairing him with Anthony Edwards would instantly make them a top-tier team in the West. While the trade would cost them key pieces like Gobert and a first-round pick, the payoff could be worth it. Also read: As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Phoenix and Minnesota to see if this blockbuster deal comes to life.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Virat Kohli predicted Aiden Markram's future 7 years ago. Old tweet resurfaces after South Africa opener hits WTC ton
Virat Kohli is a man of many talents. Predicting the future isn't one of them. Or is it? Fans started to double-check after Kohli's seven-year-old tweet on Aiden Markram resurfaced after the South African batter played one of the best knocks of his career to bring the Proteas inches closer to their maiden World Test Championship title and the first ICC trophy in nearly 30 years. The last time South Africa won an ICC tournament was back in 1998, lifting the inaugural Champions Trophy in Bangladesh. They still need 72 runs to beat Australia but with eight wickets in hand, including that of a rock-solid Markram, batting on 102, it looks ever so likely that South Africa will bring an end to their long wait for an ICC trophy. Kohli's admiration for South African batters is nothing new. Legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers is one of his best friends on and off the field. Of course, it helped that they played together for RCB for more than a decade, forming one of the most beautiful cross-border bonds that cricket has seen but it's no coincidence that Kohli's favourite captain is another South African, Faf du Plessis. During the all-captains meeting before the start of the 2019 ODI World Cup, Kohli was asked to pick one cricketer from any participating team in that World Cup that he would pick to play for his side, and he had no hesitation in naming du Plessis. It was therefore no surprise when RCB bought him in the auction and also named him captain after Kohli decided to step down in 2021. Markram is the latest addition to Kohli's fondness for South African batters. Markram, who made his Test and ODI debut in 2017, drew Kohli's attention a year later. He had already hit three Test centuries, but it was his 84-run knock in the second innings of the Test match at Cape Town against Australia that really caught Kohli's eye. "Aiden Markram is a delight to watch!" wrote Kohli on X (then Twitter). Seven years and three months later, the same tweet went viral when Markram put South Africa on the brink of the WTC title. In pursuit of 282, which currently stands as the second highest successful fourth innings chase in a Test at Lord's, an unbroken third-wicket stand of 143 took the Proteas to the close on 213 for two, requiring a further 69 to be crowned champions. Australia had earlier looked to hold the upper hand after Mitchell Starc's gritty half-century extended their overnight lead, while the seamer later took the two South African wickets to fall. But Markram, who will resume on 102, and Bavuma, dropped on two by Steve Smith, played brilliantly to raise South African hopes of a first ICC trophy since 1998. Markram survived a heart-in-mouth moment on 23, nicking a Cummins delivery between the keeper and first slip. Since then, the South African opener grew in confidence. Makram hit 11 fours in his fluent knock, scoring a strike rate of 102 off 159 balls. He got to his century with a flick off his pads that raced away to the boundary right at the fag end of Day 3. Did Kohli predict something like this for Aiden Markram? He certainly could not have but as they say, class is permanent and Kohli, like most other greats of the game, identified that very early.
