Veddriq Leonardo Crowned 2024 World Games Athlete of the Year: Celebrating Excellence in Sports!

The International World Games Association (IWGA) has named Indonesia’s Veddriq Leonardo as the World Games Athlete of the Year 2024, thanks to an impressive 77,045 votes. He outshone competitors Kristin Lätt from Estonia and Xin Tong from China, establishing himself as a standout in Sport Climbing.

In an interview with the IWGA, Leonardo shared his joy over this honor. He expressed sincere gratitude, saying, “This is a new chapter in my career. This title gives me confidence and shows that Sport Climbing is growing.”

His award is not just a personal victory; it’s a big moment for Sport Climbing, a sport gaining traction around the globe. “More people are starting to learn and engage with this sport,” he noted, emphasizing its optimistic future.

Leonardo took time to thank his fans and the climbing community. “Your support and enthusiasm mean everything to me. Voting for me is a huge honor,” he said. His success reflects the rising popularity of Sport Climbing and highlights Indonesia’s development as a force in this discipline.

Indonesia is making waves in international sports, with Leonardo at the forefront. He mentioned, “My achievements are inspiring interest and growth in Sport Climbing here. Many facilities and training centers are being established.” His journey motivates young athletes and encourages investments in training, paving the way for the sport’s bright future in the country.

Sport Climbing is tough, requiring speed, strength, and precision. Leonardo emphasized discipline in training. “Climbing is for everyone, but not everyone has the same mindset. To excel, you must train hard and consistently,” he explained.

Looking Ahead to The World Games 2025

Leonardo is focused on the upcoming World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. He aims to seize the gold medal. “I hope TWG 2025 will be an extraordinary event, different from the past ones. My goal is to be the champion there,” he shared.

For young climbers, he has clear advice: “Stay focused on your goals and enjoy the journey. Patience and sacrifice are essential to becoming a champion.”

As the World Games Athlete of the Year 2024, Veddriq Leonardo stands out not only as a Sport Climbing champion but also as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve greatness.