Pan Yufei Bouldering: Triumph Over Pain at World Cup

Chinese climber Pan Yufei demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination during the 2025 Climbing World Cup held in Bern, Switzerland. Despite battling through physical pain and exhaustion, Pan secured a historic victory, marking China’s first-ever gold in men’s bouldering at the World Cup. With only 30 seconds left on the clock and having already fallen once, the odds were stacked against him. Yet, Pan managed to summon the strength to conquer the final boulder, reminding himself to find joy in the experience rather than succumbing to the pressure of competition. “Every move was a struggle,” he shared, recalling how his vision blurred, but his spirit remained unbroken. Upon completing the challenging route, he collapsed in a burst of triumph, embodying the willpower that had driven him to fight through each agonizing moment of the climb.

Pan Yufei’s journey to this victory was not without its hurdles. Following a promising start to his career, difficulties plagued him from 2021 to 2023, during which time he faced a struggle with performance anxiety, injuries, and self-doubt, leaving him questioning his path and even his worthiness as an athlete. Drawing from these challenges, he made a pivotal decision to relocate to Europe for independent training. This experience of self-reliance molded him both athletically and personally, teaching him patience and resilience. Upon returning to competition, Pan adopted a refreshed mindset, focusing on the joy of climbing rather than ranking or expectations. His victory in Bern not only signifies a personal comeback but also serves to inspire a new generation of climbers in China, as he emphasizes the importance of community and credits the pioneers who paved the way for athletes like him. Looking forward, Pan embraces the essence of climbing as a journey of self-discovery and growth, having learned that the true measure of success lies not in accolades, but in becoming a better version of oneself.

Overcoming Adversity

Pan Yufei’s journey to victory at the 2025 Climbing World Cup is a testament to resilience in the face of personal and physical challenges. Having endured years of disappointing performances post-Tokyo 2020, Yufei faced both a physical and mental crisis. He acknowledged, “Since the Tokyo Olympic Games, I’d felt like I was getting heavier and heavier.” This mental struggle culminated in thoughts of quitting the sport entirely, revealing the profound toll competition can take on athletes.

Despite these challenges, Pan found a renewed sense of purpose by training independently in Europe, which shifted his perspective on climbing. “It was the first time I had to decide everything by myself,” Pan stated, highlighting the responsibilities he took on, including logistics and training arrangements. This newfound autonomy allowed him to develop patience and a deeper appreciation for his sport.

During the final in Bern, however, Pan faced severe physical challenges, battling both psychological fatigue and injuries that threatened his performance. He recalled, “My vision was starting to go black,” illustrating the intensity of his struggle. Yet, through sheer determination, he topped the boulder on his second attempt, demonstrating that mental fortitude can sometimes outweigh physical limitations.

A Humble Champion

Pan Yufei’s approach to success remains grounded in humility, even after achieving a historic gold for China in bouldering. He stated, “I’ve never thought of myself as particularly talented… I just want to do my job well,” encapsulating his philosophy that accolades do not define one’s worth. His victory at the World Cup signifies not only personal achievement but also a step forward for Chinese climbing on the world stage.

In reflecting on his role in expanding China’s presence in the climbing community, Pan credited the pioneers before him who paved the way. He emphasized, “There are so many seniors who worked so hard to build the road for us.” This acknowledgment of collective effort highlights the importance of community and mentorship in sports, reminding emerging athletes that success is often a collaborative journey.

The reception Pan received after the competition, including a loud ovation from the crowd, underscored the emotional impact of his victory—not just for him but for aspiring climbers in China. He remarked, “To just be myself and be supported like that, it reminded me that being real is enough,” underscoring the idea that authenticity and connection with supporters can be equally rewarding as the medals themselves.

Summary

In a remarkable display of resilience, Chinese climber Pan Yufei triumphed at the 2025 Climbing World Cup in Bern, Switzerland, despite battling physical pain and mental struggles. After a challenging period marked by performance setbacks and self-doubt following the Tokyo Olympics, Pan devoted himself to training alone in Europe, which transformed his approach to the sport. During the final, with injuries and limited strength, he persevered, focusing on the enjoyment of climbing rather than the pressure of competition. His victory, achieving China’s first bouldering gold at a World Cup, not only signifies his personal redemption but also highlights his role in elevating China’s presence in this competitive arena. Reflecting on his journey, Pan emphasized the importance of self-discovery and motivation, stating that the true essence of his experiences lies in the growth he achieved along the way, rather than the accolades.