Introduction

Jinbao was the second place finisher in Bern, meaning that regardless of whether he won that race or not, he’d already claimed his place at the Paris Olympics - which is just as well as he made a false start! In reality, this false start gives an insight into Jinbao’s tactical mindset. For each of Jinbao’s two false starts in Bern, he was taking a calculated risk in order to get a fast time - first, once he’d already qualified for the finals with a time of 5.19, and second, once he’d already won the ticket to Paris. All of Jinbao’s other times were quick, 5.21, 5.08, 5.03. If he’d timed that final run slightly better, then we may well have had a different World Champion.

Jinbao has shown that same consistency across recent years, with six finishes in the semi-finals or better in his most recent ten competitions. Getting a PB in Bern, as well as three times under 5.10 in six races, shows how consistent Jinbao is, if he can peak at the right time, then he could take the title in Paris.

Qualification route

IFSC World Championships Bern 2023: 2nd Place (Speed)

Jinbao may have made a false start in the final in Bern, but he’d already guaranteed himself a ticket to Paris, so things could be worse! With a PB time of 5.03 seconds in the semi finals, Jinbao is certainly one to watch.

Trivia

Jinbao’s current World Ranking - 3rd place - makes him the highest ranked speed climber to have qualified for the Olympics so far.

UKC prediction

3rd place

Jinbao is in excellent form, and has been getting faster and faster as time goes on. We think that this consistency is going to be enough to take him to a medal - albeit maybe not the Gold.