Miroslaw and Watson Triumph at Chamonix in IFSC World Cup

In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, speed climbing champions Aleksandra Miroslaw and Sam Watson clinched gold medals at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Cup held in Chamonix, France, on July 13, 2025. Both athletes, renowned for their record-breaking performances, returned to the top of the podium, with Miroslaw avenging a bronze medal finish in Kraków, Poland, while Watson solidified his status as a leading competitor in the sport.

Miroslaw, the Olympic champion, showcased her exceptional skills, securing victory with a stunning final run of 6.19 seconds. This performance outpaced Indonesia’s Desak Dewi, who finished in second place with a time of 6.46 seconds. Miroslaw's win in Chamonix marks a significant moment in her career; she expressed her joy, stating, "I actually return here after seven years as my last Chamonix World Cup was in 2018 when I also won, so I’m happy because Chamonix is very special. My first gold was here also, so it’s like the cycle of history."

Despite nursing a previous injury, Miroslaw's determination shone through as she prepared for upcoming World Championships. Her success in Chamonix not only reflects her resilience but also highlights her established legacy in the sport of climbing.

On the men's side, Sam Watson demonstrated his exceptional speed and consistency, claiming his fifth career gold at this prestigious event. Watson finished the gold medal race in an impressive 4.65 seconds, narrowly missing a world record due to a reaction time that could have been marginally quicker. He remarked, "The funny thing is that a 4.65 with a 1.90 reaction time, legally I could have gone 0.09 faster and got the world record. But it’s quite poetic considering my false start at the last one and my slow and cautious reaction times this comp. But records will fall in the future and I’m happy to be on the top step of the podium."

Watson's opponent in the finals, Kazakhstan’s Rishat Khaibullin, put forth a strong challenge, finishing with a personal best of 4.87 seconds to claim silver. Khaibullin, who has secured two silvers in Chamonix, expressed his excitement about the competition, stating, "I’m a little bit tired but I am so excited after this competition. It’s a wonderful place for a World Cup so I really enjoy it."

Meanwhile, USA’s Zach Hammer secured bronze, defeating Spain’s Erik Noya Cardona with a time of 4.96 seconds. Hammer reflected on his achievement, emphasizing the significance of the win, especially after a previous competition had been affected by rain, stating, "It means so much. Obviously, I loved Denver but it was a bit unfortunate that it got rained out, so it means a lot to get a podium after doing a full round of competition."

The IFSC Speed World Cup continues its season, with the next event scheduled for Guiyang, China, in September. As the competition progresses, athletes will be preparing for the upcoming World Championships, which promise to showcase the pinnacle of skill and endurance in speed climbing. The Chamonix event has once again proven to be a highlight in the climbing calendar, reaffirming the sport's growing popularity and the dedication of its athletes.

For further updates and detailed results, fans can follow the IFSC through their various digital channels, including social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.