Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's hopes for a medal in women's speed climbing at the Paris 2024 Olympics were dashed with both Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi and Rajiah Sallsabilah eliminated from the competition.
Desak, Indonesia's top-ranked speed climber, suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the quarterfinals, narrowly losing to China's Deng Lijuan by just 0.006 seconds. Despite her previous strong performances, Desak was unable to secure a podium finish.
"I don't know what else to say because I was fast earlier, but my opponent was faster," said the 23-year-old Balinese athlete. "I'll be back stronger for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics."
Rajiah also faced challenges, losing out on the bronze to Poland's Aleksandra Kaucka. Rajiah clocked 8.24 seconds, while Kaucka secured the win with a time of 6.53 seconds.
Meanwhile, Poland's Aleksandra Miroslaw dominated the women's competition, securing the gold medal with a world record-breaking performance of 6.06 seconds. China's Deng claimed silver, while Kaucka earned bronze.
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In the men's event, Indonesia's Veddriq Leonardo has advanced to the quarterfinals but is facing a tough challenge against France's Mawem Bassa on Thursday. His teammate, Rahmad Adi Mulyono, was eliminated after a false start in the qualifying round.
Veddriq had earlier set a world record of 4.79 seconds, but this was subsequently broken by the USA's Samuel Watson.