Zhou Yafei (middle) celebrates her victory in the women's speed climbing competition of the Olympic Qualifying event in Shanghai. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Zhou Yafei, a climber from Songyang county, Lishui, soared to success in the women's speed climbing competition on May 18, at the Olympic Qualifying event in Shanghai. She clinched the first-place spot at the first station of the Olympic qualifiers, earning 50 points towards her Olympic dream.

The Olympic climbing qualification consists of two stages, with a total of 100 points up for grabs. The top five athletes in the points ranking will secure their spots in the Olympics.

The next qualification stage is set for mid-June. The Olympic Qualifier Series has introduced a points system where climbers can earn up to 50 points per stage, with rankings determined by their cumulative score across both stages.

In total, there are 40 Olympic spots available for the all-round events, with eight male and eight female athletes already qualified. For the speed event, 28 Olympic spots are available, with seven male and seven female athletes having secured their qualifications.

Zhou made a remarkable achievement in the competition, scaling a 15-meter wall in just 6.54 seconds, setting a personal best record.