Qualifications at the IFSC Climbing World Cup Krakow 2025 saw the world’s fastest climbers deliver explosive performances, with home favourites and international standouts setting the pace ahead of tomorrow's finals.

POLISH STARS THRILL HOME CROWD

Home favourite and reigning Olympic champion Aleksandra Miroslaw of Poland lightened up the wall with the fastest time of the day: a sensational 6.26 seconds. Miroslaw, also the world record holder, was followed closely by compatriot Natalia Kalucka of Poland in second with 6.48 seconds. Zhou Yafei of China rounded out the top three, clocking in at 6.68.

“After the practice round I had to go back home because it didn’t go well for me,” said Kalucka. “But I spoke with my psychologist after that, and I’m very proud of myself because this competition was very hard for me, mentally and emotionally. Friction is not good on the wall, and to complete the Tomoa Skip is very hard. It was a big challenge today, and I’m very proud of myself.”

Nine women in total dipped under the seven-second mark, showcasing the growing depth of the field. The final qualifying time was 7.16, run by Carla Martínez Vidal of Spain.

The women’s final field features five Chinese athletes, three from Poland, three from Indonesia, two Italians, and one athlete each from South Korea, Spain, and the USA.

For the women’s Speed complete results click here.

KATIBIN BREAKS 5-SECOND BARRIER AGAIN

On the men’s side, Indonesia’s Kiromal Katibin returned to form with a blistering 4.91-second run, leading the pack ahead of teammate Raharjati Nursamsa, who followed in second place with 4.93. The only other athlete to break the five-second barrier was Amir Maimuratov of Kazakhstan, third with 4.99 seconds.

“My first race felt pretty good,” said Michael Hom of the USA, who qualified in sixth place with 5.09 seconds. “I’m okay that I fell in the second one as I was kind of pushing it, because I knew I had a good time in my first one. Recently my goal has been to get a sub-5 in my first run and then push on the second one. I’m feeling pretty good for the final.”

The qualification cutoff stood at 5.18 seconds, set by Chu Shouhong of China.

World record holder Samuel Watson of the USA was unable to advance after a false start in his second race, a costly error that erased his chances of competing in the men's final in Krakow. Meanwhile, Joshua Bruyns of South Africa made history with a 5.63-second run, setting a new African record.

Among the men, Indonesia, China, and Kazakhstan each placed three athletes into the final. The USA and Italy both earned two spots, while Germany, Iran, and Japan will each be represented by one climber in the next round.

For the men’s Speed complete results click here.