World record holder American Sam Watson won gold in Chamonix, giving him the third gold of his career.
Watson had a solid run in the final rounds and posted sub-5s three times in the competition – 4.83, 4.84, 4.88.
The American climber beat China’s Wang Xinshang, who had to settle for silver with a slide in the final and times of 6.24 for Watson and 7.76 for Wang.
Speaking of his consequence, Watson said: “I’ve been working on my consistency with two months of boring training, well boring isn’t the right word, but a grueling training cycle where I tried to work hard every day and was so looking forward to this trip. Having solid 4.8’s and close to the world record is definitely a dream and shows that I’m in the right place.”
Speaking about his win, Watson continued: “I feel great. I had a curse in Chamonix where I haven’t been doing well for the last two years, my worst part of the year, but then to come back in my last event before the Olympics and win. third win, in front of all those people coming out was just one of the best experiences as a climber.”
Third place and the bronze medal went to Spain’s Erik Noya Cardona who took advantage of a slip and fall by Japan’s Omasa Ryo in the bronze medal match.
Posting a 5.05 in that race, Noya Cardona said: “It’s my second medal in Chamonix. This place means a lot to me, this is the competition I like the most. After not qualifying for the Olympics, it was difficult for me, so I’m back on the podium, trusting myself, winning a bit of confidence, breaking my record, it was unexpected, but something I really needed a bit of today – I think I deserve it.”
Omasa had earlier set a PB and National Japanese record of 4.97, and there were other records that fell in the qualifying round.
Italy’s Matteo Zurloni set the European record with 4.97, New Zealand’s Julian David the Oceania record with 5.44 and South Africa’s Joshua Bruyns the African record with 5.73.
Full men’s speed results here
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