The climbing competitions of the 2013 World Games lasted two days and concluded on August 4 in Cali, the second-largest city in Colombia.
A total of 72 competitive climbers from 22 countries and regions, including France, Germany, and Russia, participated in four individual events: men's and women's speed climbing and difficulty climbing. The Chinese team sent two athletes to compete in the men's speed climbing: four-time world champion Zhong Qixin and 2012 Asian Youth champion Li Guangdong.
During the speed climbing event held on the evening of August 3, local time in Cali, Chinese athlete Zhong Qixin made a mistake in the semifinals and, like at the Chongqing World Cup in March, lost to Russian climber Dmitrii, missing out on the finals and ultimately winning the bronze medal. In the finals, Dmitrii defeated his compatriot and current world No. 1 KOKORIN by 0.46 seconds to claim the gold. Chinese youngster Li Guangdong finished in 15th place. The top three spots in the women's speed climbing were all taken by Russian athletes: 2012 world overall ranking champion Alina won the gold, 2011 Italian World Cup champion Mariia took silver, and women’s world record holder Luliia secured third place.
In the difficulty climbing finals held on August 4, local time in Cali, Spanish veteran Ramon claimed the men’s title with a score of 48+. Austrian athlete Jakob, Norwegian athlete Magnus, and South Korean athlete Hyunbin all tied with a score of 47+, placing second through fourth based on their semifinal results. In the women’s difficulty climbing, Slovenian athlete Mina, the 2012 world overall ranking champion, led throughout and won the gold. South Korean athlete Kim Jain, who had just won the French Briançon World Cup leg last month, took silver. Russian athlete Dinara, the 2013 European champion, earned the bronze medal.
The strong Russian team dominated half of the climbing medals at the World Games. Aside from South Korea and China taking one silver and one bronze respectively, all other medals were claimed by European nations.