Ready, set, map! Swiss runner Riccardo Rancan kicked off the 2025 Chengdu World Games with a heart-pounding victory 🥇 in the mens foot orienteering middle-distance race. Racing against time and terrain, Rancan crossed the finish line in 45 minutes and 22 secondssnagging the very first gold medal of the Games.
Local favorite Tang Jianda of the Chinese mainland pushed hard but finished 18th, while Liu Xiaoming, also representing the Chinese mainland, claimed 23rd place. The challenging course through Chengdus urban parks and winding paths tested every athletes navigation skills and endurance.
On the womens side, Swiss excellence continued as Simona Aebersold soared to gold. With a mix of speed and precision, she outpaced Slovakias Tereza Smelikova, who settled for silver, and Swedens Alva Sonesson, who grabbed bronze. It was a sweet double win for Switzerland and a stylish start to the Games!
Foot orienteering might not be in every highlight reel yet, but these athletes are changing the game. Imagine combining a morning run with a live-action treasure huntcompass in hand, every wrong turn could cost you precious seconds. That mix of strategy and stamina makes orienteering a must-watch for anyone craving fresh sports action.
Whether youre a sports junkie, a map-lover, or an adventure seeker, keep your eyes on the trails. The Chengdu World Games are just getting started, and if the first races are any indication, were in for an epic week of surprises and epic finishes. Stay tuned for more gold moments, record breakers, and maybe even some underdog stories that will power your next #RunningGoals playlist. 🎶🏃♂️💨
Reference(s):
Switzerland's Riccardo Rancan wins first gold at 2025 World Games
cgtn.com
