She amazed the crowd in Paris by setting two world records in a stunning qualifying session on her way to winning the first women’s speed climbing gold medal. The 30-year-old Polish climber first reached the top in 6.21 secs, then bettered it with a 6.06. She won the final in 6.10, beating the 6.18 time of silver medallist Deng Lijuan of China.
It was the two-time world champion’s first Olympic medal after just missing out on the podium with a fourth-place finish in Tokyo where climbing made its first appearance with a combined event including speed, boulder and lead. Miroslaw’s season was recognised with the award of Poland’s 2024 Sports Personality of the Year.
