The World Games in Chengdu brought fresh excitement as athletes pushed boundaries and new formats added unpredictability to the competition. In speed climbing, China’s Long Jianguo electrified home fans by setting a new national record of 4.74 seconds to capture the men’s four-lane title. It was the first time the four-lane format featured at a multi-sport event, replacing the traditional head-to-head races with four climbers competing simultaneously.
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Long, a former World Cup winner, said the format brought both fun and pressure. “There’s a lot of unpredictability. Everyone feels the pressure, but it’s about who can hold on,” he shared after his victory. Indonesia’s Kiromal Katibin, a former world record holder, took silver with 4.81 seconds, while Kazakhstan’s Rishat Khaibullin claimed bronze, finishing just 0.02 seconds behind.
The women’s final also thrilled spectators, with Indonesia’s Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi securing gold in 6.35 seconds. She was followed closely by Chinese newcomer Qin Yumei in 6.42 seconds, while Desak’s teammate Rajiah Sallsabillah edged Poland’s Natalia Kalucka for bronze by a margin of only 0.005 seconds. “For the audience, having four climbers race at once is definitely more exciting,” said IFSC vice president Toru Kobinata, who described the format as part of the sport’s efforts to evolve and connect with broader audiences.
China’s success continued in aerobic gymnastics, where the hosts took gold in the group event at the Dong’an Lake Sports Park Multi-Function Gymnasium. The team, comprising university students Feng Lei, Fan Siwei, Liang Wenjie, Teng Hao, and Xu Tong, performed a routine themed around rescuing a girl from a fire — a tribute to firefighters. Their energetic display earned 20.265 points, ahead of Italy’s 19.615 and Romania’s 19.136.
The day also saw gripping action in the women’s individual duathlon. Mexico’s Anahi Alvarez Corral delivered a standout performance, surging ahead in the cycling segment to finish in one hour, 25 minutes, and 31 seconds. She edged Spain’s Maria Varo Zubiri by just two seconds, while Belgium’s Jeanne Dupont claimed bronze. “I knew the competition would be fierce, but I came ready to fight till the end,” Alvarez Corral said with joy after her first World Games triumph.
The duathlon will conclude with the mixed relay following a rest day, adding yet another chapter to an eventful edition of the Games. For now, Chengdu celebrates a day of records, resilience, and remarkable stories that highlight the spirit of global sport.
