The International World Games Association (IWGA) has officially crowned Veddriq Leonardo of Indonesia as The World Games Athlete of the Year 2024. With an astounding 77,045 votes in the final round, Leonardo has cemented his place as a global icon in Sport Climbing, outdoing campaign competitors Kristin Lätt (Estonia, Flying Disc) and Xin Tong (China, Wushu).
In an exclusive interview with the IWGA, Leonardo expressed his immense gratitude and excitement over this unexpected honour.
“This is a new chapter in my career. Getting this title makes me feel more confident because it proves that this sport is growing rapidly and can attract so many people,” he shared.
His recognition as The World Games Athlete of the Year is not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for Sport Climbing, a discipline that has been steadily gaining popularity worldwide.
“They are starting to learn and develop this sport, and that is good for the future of Sport Climbing.”
Leonardo took a moment to extend heartfelt appreciation to the fans and community who voted for him. “I would like to say thank you very much for supporting me and for your enthusiasm. Getting votes from you is an honour for me as an athlete,” he said.
The overwhelming support he received highlights the growing global interest in Sport Climbing and Indonesia’s emergence as a powerhouse in the discipline.
Sport Climbing and Indonesia
Indonesia has been making strides in the international sports arena, and Leonardo’s achievements have played a crucial role in inspiring the nation. “I have tried my best, and all my achievements have encouraged interest and development of Sport Climbing in Indonesia,” he noted. “Many climbing facilities and training centres are now being built.”
His success not only serves as motivation for aspiring athletes but also drives investment in infrastructure and training programmes, ensuring a bright future for the sport in Indonesia.
Sport Climbing is a demanding sport that requires an extraordinary blend of speed, strength, and precision. When asked about his training programme, Leonardo emphasized the importance of discipline and consistency.
“Everyone can practice climbing, everyone can do it. But not with the same mentality,” he said. “To be strong, fast, and precise, you have to train consistently and be disciplined for years, doing the same training all year round.”
Eyes on The World Games 2025 in Chengdu
With his relentless determination Leonardo remains a strong contender for the gold.
Looking ahead, he has set his sights on The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. “I hope that TWG 2025 will be an amazing event because TWG 2025 will be different from the previous TWG,” he remarked. “My vision is that I want to be the champion of TWG.”
For young climbers aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Leonardo offers simple yet powerful advice: “Stay focused on your goals, enjoy the process. Becoming a champion requires patience and sacrifice.”
As The World Games Athlete of the Year 2024, Veddriq Leonardo is not only a champion in Sport Climbing but also an inspiration, proving that with discipline, consistency, and an unbreakable spirit, greatness is within reach.