The 2024 Olympic gold medal in men's speed climbing marked a historical milestone for Indonesia, as Veddriq Leonardo became the country's first Olympic champion outside of the sport of badminton. Born on 11 March 1997 in Pontianak, he emerged as a dominant force in international competition climbing through his specialized focus on high-speed vertical scaling.
Early Development and National Competition
Leonardo encountered the discipline of competitive speed climbing during his inaugural year of secondary education. His formal progression within the sport began in 2014 when he competed in his initial national championship held in Tanjung Balai Karimun, successfully securing a position within the top eight. By 2016, he claimed his first national medal, a bronze, at the junior level during the championship in Bangka Belitung. He later pursued formal studies at Tanjungpura University.
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His introduction to the international circuit occurred in 2018 at the Moscow World Cup, where he reached the podium with a third-place finish. Leonardo demonstrated substantial technical growth, twice holding the global speed climbing record for approximately one-year durations. The first record-setting performance took place during his victory at the 2021 IFSC Climbing World Cup in Salt Lake City, followed by a second instance at the 2023 IFSC Climbing World Cup in Seoul.
Olympic and International Success
Beyond his world record tenure, Leonardo has maintained a rigorous schedule of international participation. His competitive record includes appearances at the World Games, the Asian Games, and the Asian Championships, spanning individual speed events and speed relay categories. His performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics solidified his status in the history of Indonesian sports.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 March 1997, Pontianak, Indonesia
- Sport: Speed climbing
- Education: Tanjungpura University
- 2021 World Record: Salt Lake City
- 2023 World Record: Seoul
- Olympic Achievement: Gold Medal, 2024
- First International Medal: 2018 Moscow World Cup (Bronze)
Questions readers ask
What record did Veddriq Leonardo set at the 2021 IFSC Climbing World Cup?
He established a new world record in men's speed climbing during his victory at the event in Salt Lake City.
Is Veddriq Leonardo the first Indonesian Olympic gold medalist?
He is the first Indonesian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in a sport other than badminton.
