(Reuters) – Teenager Sam Watson broke the speed climbing world record twice in under an hour at a World Cup competition in China on Friday, signalling his status as one of the favourites for gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Watson, 18, from the United States broke the previous world record of 4.90 seconds by Indonesia’s Veddriq Leonardo when he scaled the 15-meter wall in 4.85 seconds in his first run.
He followed that up with 4.79 seconds in his second attempt to lower his own best mark further.
Watson is ranked number eight in the world and will make his debut at the Paris Olympics, having already qualified last October.
Climbing made its debut at the Tokyo Olympics. There will be two events for male and female competitors in Paris, a speed and combined bouldering and lead competition.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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