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Sean McColl Wins Gold At China World Cup

Sean McColl finishes in first place as Canadians keep their momentum from the Vail World Cup moving in Chongqing this weekend.

Sean McColl sings the Canadian national anthem as the podium winner's home county's flags area raised during the medal ceremony.  Photo Screen Grab from IFSC's live-stream
Sean McColl sings the Canadian national anthem as the podium winner’s home county’s flags area raised during the medal ceremony. Photo Screen Grab from IFSC’s live-stream

It was the first Asian stop of the 2015 IFSC World Cup and it took place in Chongqing on the summer solstice and despite some hot temperatures, athletes put on a great show.

Some big names managed to hold onto their podium spots despite strong competition from the younger competitors.

Sean McColl went into finals in fourth place, but took the gold medal after completing all four problems in the finals round, which places him third in the overall ranking.

Korea’s Jongwon Chon finished in second and Japanese climber Tsukuru Hori finished in third. They proved they will be nipping at the heels of the world’s top climbers in upcoming competitions.

Sean McColl at the awkward start of men's problem number four.  Photo Screen grab from the the IFSC live-stream
Sean McColl at the awkward start of men’s problem number four. Photo Screen grab from the the IFSC live-stream

Canadian Andre DeFelice, who made the semi-finals, finished in an impressive 17th overall. Canadians Sebastien Lazure in 33rd, Eric Sethna in 37th, Jason Halowach in 41st and Shawn Hunter in 49th. Full men’s results.

For the women, Canadian Stacey Weldon made it to semi-finals, which in itself was a huge success that had friends and fans cheering her on in a time zone 12 hours away. In the end, Stacey finished 12th, which puts her in 22nd overall at the 2015 world cup series.

Akiyo Noguchi secured gold after an almost flawless performance, having climbed all four problems of the finals in only five attempts. She has a dominating lead in the overall standings.

Miho Nonaka of Japan placed second just ahead of Great Britain’s Shauna Coxey, who missed the silver by one attempt. Two other North American’s competed for the women, Sierra Blair-Coyle who finished in 21st and Mexican climber Sofia Heinze-Cacho who finished in 31st. Full women’s results.

For more photos, visit Gripped’s Instagram.

Watch the finals:

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