Indonesia Claims Two Golds at World Climbing Series Chamonix

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia strengthened its reputation as one of the world's leading speed climbing nations after securing two gold medals and one silver at the World Climbing Series Chamonix in France on Sunday, July 12, 2026, with its athletes delivering another standout performance on the international stage.

The gold medals came from Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi in the women's speed event and Olympic champion Veddriq Leonardo in the men's speed event. Antasyafi Robby Al Hilmi completed Indonesia's medal haul by winning silver in the men's competition.

Desak continued her impressive form after also winning gold at the previous World Climbing Series stop in Krakow, Poland, making Chamonix her second consecutive title and her first gold medal at the French venue.

In the women's speed final, Desak defeated Italy's Giulia Randi by clocking 6.22 seconds, while Randi finished in 6.51 seconds. The bronze medal went to France's Capucine Viglione, who edged American climber Isis Rothfork with a time of 6.41 seconds against 6.53 seconds.

Desak said she was delighted with her performance and enjoyed every moment of the final.

"Tonight, I performed at my best. I'm very happy to win this gold medal for my country and my team. In my mind, I kept telling myself to do my best," she said after the victory on Sunday, July 12, as quoted on the Indonesian Youth and Sports Ministry official website.

The men's speed final featured an all-Indonesian showdown, with Veddriq defeating teammate Antasyafi Robby Al Hilmi to claim the gold medal. Veddriq finished in 4.89 seconds, while Robby recorded 5.11 seconds to secure silver.

Japan's Ryo Omasa claimed bronze after narrowly defeating China's Yicheng Zhao in one of the closest races of the competition. Omasa finished in 4.701 seconds, just ahead of Zhao's 4.704 seconds.

Veddriq described the victory as especially meaningful because it was his first gold medal since winning Olympic gold. "I feel very grateful. This is my first gold medal since the Olympics. Thank you for all the support," he said.

He admitted he had not been able to train at full capacity before the event but was pleased to finally translate his efforts into a strong result. "I kept trying my best, and this is a real achievement. I'm very grateful for this result," he added.

Indonesia speed assistant coach Fitriyani praised the athletes for delivering outstanding performances despite limited preparation following the previous competition in Krakow.

The team did not hold special training sessions after leaving Poland and instead focused on adapting to conditions in Chamonix.

"Despite all the limitations, the athletes gave their best. They competed with maximum effort and delivered the best results for Indonesia. We are very proud of this achievement and thank all Indonesians for their continued support and prayers," Fitriyani said. ***