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 elite international climbers and more than 120 Chinese athletes, who competed in speed, speed relay, and bouldering alongside the Chinese Climbing League (Shanghai).

China claimed gold in the men's speed event and both 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, setting a personal best.

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

One highlight of the competition was the introduction of a four-lane format in the speed event, in line with the latest competition rules for the upcoming Asian Games.

With four climbers racing simultaneously, the format made for faster-paced, more direct competition and added to the excitement 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.

Shanghai's Huang Xinyi won the women's speed title, securing her second consecutive league victory of the season, while Huang Jingjie of Jiangxi province took the men's title.

Beyond the competition itself, the event was designed to bring professional climbing closer to the public.

Morning sessions were open to spectators free of charge, while residents and visitors could also watch the afternoon and evening competitions from public activity areas around the venue.

A sports-themed market, featuring food and leisure areas, camping-style viewing spaces and interactive experiences from sports brands, further extended the event beyond the competition venue.

More than 3,000 people visited Xujiahui Sports Park during the three-day event, as climbing became part of the city's weekend leisure and social scene.

Shanghai has a long history of hosting national championships and international climbing events. The city also hosted an Olympic qualification series event ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Reflecting the sport's growing popularity, Shanghai had more than 100 commercial climbing gyms by the second half of 2025, demonstrating that climbing's appeal extends well beyond elite competition.

As more high-level events come to the city, climbing is increasingly connecting professional sport with public participation and urban life, bringing the excitement of the climbing wall into the heart of Shanghai.

Source: China Daily