16-year-old makes history with incredible climbing world record

Young Zhao Yicheng made history by breaking the world climbing speed record at just 16 years old.

During the 2026 Asian Beach Games, the athlete completed the course in an impressive 4.58 seconds, surpassing the previous mark of Sam Watson, who had recorded 4.64 seconds in 2025.

Considered one of the great promises of the sport, Zhao confirmed his full potential with a very high level of performance, surprising even himself.

“I just wanted to get better acquainted with the feeling of the track and I didn’t do any extra preparation. I just climbed at my usual level. It was a huge surprise to finish so quickly. I’m completely euphoric”, he said, after the historic feat.

The milestone achieved reinforces the growth of climbing worldwide and places the young Chinese as one of the main figures of the new generation of the sport.