"I had good grades," he admitted. "But, sunlight on the wall felt brighter than any classroom."

With support from his parents, in September 2023, Zhao relocated to Shanghai to undertake a semiprofessional regimen: mornings studying mathematics and afternoons defying physics.

The 2023-24 winter camp saw his times plummet from 5.4s to 4.99s, breaking speed climbing's hallowed "sub-five" barrier — a feat likened to the 10-second milestone in the 100 m sprint.

"I'm someone who loves climbing with strong competitors. I thrive on competition," Zhao said of his racing ethos.