Lee Do-hyun Claims Silver in World Climbing Series Bouldering Opener

The Hankyoreh reports on a significant achievement for South Korean climbing, with Lee Do-hyun clinching a silver medal at the inaugural IFSC World Climbing Series event in Shaoxing, China. This performance in the men's bouldering competition marks a strong start to the 2026 season for the 24-year-old athlete from Seoul City Hall, showcasing his talent on the international stage.

Lee's second-place finish, earning him 69.6 points, places him just behind Japan's Sorata Anraku, who secured the gold medal with 84.4 points. The bronze medal went to France's Mejdi Schalk. The event, newly branded as the 'World Climbing Series' after the rebranding of the 'Climbing World Cup Series' last December, focused solely on bouldering for its first leg. This achievement underscores Lee's consistent performance and potential in the discipline.

While Lee's success is a cause for celebration, the competition also highlighted the challenges faced by other South Korean athletes. Cheon Jong-won, another prominent climber, finished 8th after failing to complete all four problems. In the women's bouldering category, Seo Chae-hyun, Oh Ga-young, and Noh Hee-ju did not qualify for the finals, finishing in the middle to lower ranks during the preliminary rounds. This mixed result indicates the high level of global competition and the continuous effort required from all athletes.

From a South Korean perspective, Lee Do-hyun's silver medal is a moment of national pride, demonstrating the strength and growing prowess of the country's climbing athletes. It fuels anticipation for future events in the series and highlights the dedication and training invested by these athletes. The Hankyoreh's coverage emphasizes not only the individual success but also the broader context of South Korean sports on the global stage, inspiring aspiring climbers and sports enthusiasts alike.