European Championships Munich 2022: Aleksandra Miroslaw and Danyil Boldyrev claim speed titles

2022-08-19 20:18:59 By : Ms. Tina Shao

Miroslaw topped an all-Polish podium to continue her dominance in the discipline, with Boldyrev taking a sixth European medal - and his second gold - in the men's event.

Poland's Aleksandra Miroslaw and Danyil Boldyrev of Ukraine have been crowned European sport climbing speed champions in front of a packed Koenigsplatz on Monday (15 August).

In the women's event, world record holder Miroslaw proved once more to be the discipline's queen by topping an all-Polish podium in Munich to claim her second continental crown.

After leading the qualifiers, the 28-year-old breezed past compatriot Patrycja Chudziak in the semi-final to win by almost one second.

Then she pipped Aleksandra Kalucka for gold, producing a strong comeback after an uncharacteristic slow start.

Bronze went to Kalucka's twin sister Natalia, the reigning world champion in the event.

Miroslaw has been almost unbeatable this season, taking three World Cup wins and breaking the world record twice.

"Facing a teammate is always harder, but I'm happy we have the whole podium for Poland," she said. "Now I can go on holiday!

Poland nearly completed a double courtesy of Mercin Dzienski in the men's event.

The 2016 world champion stormed ahead in the final but slipped close to the top to allow Boldyrev to take the win and flex his muscles in celebration.

It's a second European title for the 30-year-old Ukrainian who took his European Championship tally to six medals.

"It's an incredible feeling," said two-time world champion Boldyrev, who thanked the crowd for the support.

"Speed climbing is such a tough sport because we only have one chance and there's no room for mistakes," he added.

"If you believe in yourself, you can be a champion. We are all champions. Today is my day, but the differences that separate us are so small."

In the men's small final, France's Guillaume Moro beat world silver medallist Erik Noya of Spain for bronze.

The sport climbing competition in Munich continues with the boulder and lead combined event on Wednesday (women) and Thursday (men).