Olympics-Climbing-Polish climber Miroslaw beats own world speed record twice in qualification

PARIS - Polish speed climber Aleksandra Miroslaw beat her own world record twice in the women's speed climbing qualification round at the Paris Olympics on Monday.

Climbing 6.06 seconds in her second qualifying heat, Miroslaw beat her previous world record of 6.21 seconds set a few minutes earlier in her first heat.

"I just did my thing and I stayed focused and I'm very happy with that. During the preparation for the Olympics, we did a huge job and here are the results," Miroslaw told reporters.

Miroslaw had set her previous world record of 6.24 seconds at the International Federation of Sport Climbing European qualifier in Rome on Sept. 15, 2023.

Another Polish climber, Aleksandra Kalucka, will join Miroslaw in the quarter-finals after posting the third fastest time in qualifying, beating her personal best with a time of 6.389 seconds.

"I think it's because we are so hard working. Our team is so amazing," Kalucka said.

"I'm super happy that I was able to show my best. I had two personal bests today and I can't wait for the finals. I'm really glad that the people were cheering for me. It was perfect."

The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the Olympic speed climbing will be held on Wednesday.