At the IFSC Climbing World Championships this week, 10 US athletes took on the Speed field, and Zach Hammer left with his first-ever World Championships podium—and a new personal best.

Hammer Delivers Epic Season-Closer

Zach Hammer delivered the highlight of the day, racing to bronze in Men’s Speed after a lightning-fast personal best of 4.80 seconds. The result caps a breakout season for Hammer, who recently earned his first two World Cup medals—one in Denver and another in Chamonix.

“I devote every part of my life to climbing and it’s amazing to see that pay off,” Hammer said after the Final. “A bronze medal is always mixed emotions because you’re one race away (from gold or silver), but I’m very proud to come home with a medal. Any medal is such an honor.”

Also representing Team USA were Sam Watson, the current World Record holder, who placed 5th; Michael Hom in 6th; Logan Schlecht in 40th; and Merritt Ernsberger in 58th.

Rothfork Leads Women’s Team in Final

On the women’s side, Isis Rothfork enjoyed her best result of the season, finishing 9th overall and setting a personal best of 6.78 seconds. Piper Kelly joined her in the Final and secured 15th place.

Also representing Team USA were Sophie Curcio in 20th, Madi Walsh in 28th, and Emma Hunt—the newly crowned Women’s Speed World Cup Series champion—in 29th, following an uncharacteristic slip in the Qualification. Hunt’s early exit was a surprise, but she closed the season celebrating her historic overall title.

Full results from the IFSC Climbing World Championships Seoul 2025 can be found here. You can rewatch the Finals on the IFSC YouTube Channel.

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