Speed climber Zhao smashes world-record

China's speed climber Zhao Yicheng delivered a stunning world-record performance on Tuesday, clocking 4.58 seconds in the qualification round on his way to eventually win men's individual gold at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, Hainan province.

Zhao Yicheng of China celebrates after defeating Antasyafi Robby Al Hilmi of Indonesia during the sport climbing (speed) men's individual final at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

The 16-year-old teen sensation got off to a scintillating start in the afternoon qualification round as he executed a flawless, lighting-fast attempt with explosive power to finish first in the 39-athlete field in 4.58s, eclipsing the previous world mark of 4.64 set by Sam Watson of the United States at a World Cup meet in Bali, Indonesia, in 2025.

Building on his momentum from the record-smashing run, Zhao maintained his form by outperforming three tough rivals in a row from the round of 16 to semifinals, before capping off his phenomenal day with a golden finish in the final, where his opponent Antasyafi Robby Al Hilmi of Indonesia was disqualified for a false start.

"To be honest, I didn't expect to break the world record from the get-go," Zhao said of his surprisingly-fast qualification run.

"For my second attempt, I was thinking that I would likely secure a high ranking in the qualifications and climb on Lane A in the final," Zhao said of his strategy.

"I just wanted to get more familiar with the feel of Lane A. I didn't make any extra preparations and simply aimed to climb at my usual steady level. It came as a huge surprise to finish this fast, and I'm absolutely thrilled."

Zhao's record-breaking run in Sanya has served himself a timely confidence boost ahead of the World Climbing Series, which will kick off in Keqiao, Zhejiang province on Friday, while proving China's surging progress in competitive speed climbing on the world stage.