Tower Running: Soh Wai Ching Sets Sights on Reclaiming World No. 1 Spot in 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (BERNAMA) – The country’s number one tower runner, Soh Wai Ching, has set a New Year’s goal to reclaim the world number one spot in 2025.
Determined to Regain Top Spot
The 2024 Tower Running World Champion said he will ensure that mission is achieved by November next year by reclaiming the championship at the biggest tournament, the Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon that month.
Disappointment in 2024 Tournament
"This year, I only got number 11 in one tournament, which was in Shanghai. I was not feeling well and got number 11. It’s a tournament with big points so when I lost, my ranking dropped to second place," Soh Wai Ching said.
"Next year, I want to make up for the disappointment by getting number one in the tournament in November, thus raising my ranking," he told Bernama recently.
Food Poisoning Affects Performance
Wai Ching missed out on the world No. 1 ranking after finishing 11th at the Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon last month, when food poisoning severely affected his performance and prevented him from setting a personal best or competing for the win.
New Year Goals
The 30-year-old athlete also aims to increase his winning percentage in the tournaments he will participate in to 90 per cent wins compared to the 78 per cent wins he achieved this year.
Tournament Schedule
He will start this year by participating in the big International Vertical Marathon PingAn tournament which provides 200 points on Jan 11 followed by the StairClimbing Championship in Osaka, Japan on Feb 16.
"I will make sure I win this tournament," he said.
Championships and Accolades
The Selayang-born athlete this year carved a name for himself as a world champion when he conquered the top of Taipei 101 in Taiwan as the champion of the World Tower Running Championship in May besides dominating the open men’s category of the 2024 Naza Tower Run.
He also successfully defended his championship for three consecutive years in the Scale the Strat tower building stair race in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States in February.
Malaysian Tower Running Association’s Plans
Meanwhile, Malaysian Tower Running Association president Ravinder Singh said his party will be organising three prestigious tournaments that will provide a lot of points in the country for 2025.
"This year in Malaysia we have 15 tournaments, but the weakness is that the world points are not high, so next year we will organise three big tournaments in Malaysia, namely two tournaments with 200 points, and one with 120 points," he said.
"This is to ensure that many national athletes can participate in this tournament, thus adding points and improving the world ranking," he added.
Conclusion
Soh Wai Ching’s determination to reclaim the world number one spot in 2025 is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. With his sights set on the Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon, he is confident that he can achieve his goal and make a comeback to the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Soh Wai Ching’s goal for 2025?
A: Soh Wai Ching aims to reclaim the world number one spot in 2025.
Q: What is the biggest tournament he is looking forward to in 2025?
A: The Shanghai Tower International Vertical Marathon in November 2025.
Q: What is Soh Wai Ching’s current ranking?
A: Soh Wai Ching is currently ranked second in the world.
Q: How many tournaments will the Malaysian Tower Running Association organize in 2025?
A: The association will organize three prestigious tournaments in Malaysia, providing 200 points each.