Olympic Champion Veddriq Leonardo Takes Up Dirt Biking After Paris 2024 Gold
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Indonesia’s Olympic speed climbing champion Veddriq Leonardo has found a new way to enjoy his passion for speed away from the climbing wall.
The 29-year-old athlete has recently started riding dirt bikes, inspired in part by fellow Indonesian Olympic champion Rizki Juniansyah, who won gold in weightlifting at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
From Olympic Climbing Gold to Dirt Bikes
Leonardo made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Olympic champion in the men’s speed climbing event.
His victory also delivered Indonesia an Olympic gold medal in a sport outside the country’s traditional badminton success.
After the Games, Leonardo developed a close friendship with Juniansyah, who won the men’s 73kg weightlifting title in Paris.
The two athletes regularly communicate and exchange experiences from their sporting careers.
Rizki Juniansyah Introduced Leonardo to Dirt Biking
Leonardo said his new interest in dirt biking came partly from Juniansyah’s enthusiasm for motorcycles.
The climber explained that the two Olympic champions often speak on the phone, and Juniansyah’s interest in dirt bikes encouraged him to try the activity himself.
For Leonardo, riding provides another way to enjoy speed and take a break from his demanding training routine.
Juniansyah Has a Large Motorcycle Collection
Juniansyah is well known for his passion for motorcycles and reportedly owns 21 bikes.
The Indonesian weightlifter has also spoken about how his motorcycle collection helps him relax after training.
One of his bikes was purchased using prize money he received after winning Olympic gold in Paris.
Juniansyah has previously described motorcycles and weightlifting as two of his major sporting interests.
Two Olympic Champions Share a New Hobby
Leonardo and Juniansyah now have another connection beyond their Olympic achievements.
Both athletes won gold medals for Indonesia at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with Leonardo triumphing in men’s speed climbing and Juniansyah claiming the men’s 73kg weightlifting title.
Their shared interest in dirt biking has also brought the two champions closer as friends.
Leonardo Focused on LA28
While dirt biking gives Leonardo a different way to enjoy his love of speed, his primary focus remains competitive climbing.
As the reigning Olympic men’s speed climbing champion, he is continuing his preparations with the goal of competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The Indonesian star’s combination of climbing training and a new motorsport hobby has given him another outlet outside his professional career as he works toward his next Olympic challenge.
