This year’s first continental event – an IFSC Oceania Cup organised in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand – concluded with dominant performances from Paris 2024 athletes Sarah Tetzlaff  and Julian David, both representing the home team, who secured gold medals in the women’s and men’s Speed events.

Tetzlaff reaffirmed her status as Oceania’s top speed climber, winning the final with a time of 8.32 seconds against fellow New Zealander Abby Gebert, who finished in 8.64. Jorja Ranji of New Zealand completed the Wall Blacks’ podium sweep by securing bronze with a time of 9.43 seconds, while fourth-placed Cara Hicks, also of New Zealand, finished in 10.89.

In the men’s event, David showcased blistering speed throughout the competition and clocked an unofficial Oceania record of 5.16 seconds, a time that will not enter the official books as the competition wall was not homologated. In the gold medal race, David took the win with a time of 5.86 seconds, defeating compatriot Ned Johnston, who finished in 8.36. The bronze medal went to Australia’s Hayden Barton, who stopped the clock at 6.33 seconds, while New Zealand’s Flynn Chisholm slipped and finished fourth.

With the Oceania Cup wrapped up, the region’s top Speed climbers now turn their focus to the IFSC World Cup Series 2025, which kicks off in Wujiang, China, next April.

Two more IFSC Continental Cups are scheduled to take place in the upcoming weeks:

• IFSC European Cup in Munich, Germany, from 7 to 8 March; and
• IFSC Asian Cup in Hong Kong, China, from 8 to 9 March.

News and updates about all IFSC events will be available on the IFSC website, and on the Federation’s digital channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, and exclusively for the Chinese audience, Douyin, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu.