The Innsbruck Climbing Center was buzzing during the women’s Lead final of the IFSC Climbing World Cup, and the crowd created a true home game atmosphere for everyone. Although no Austrian climbers made it into the final this time, thousands of fans roared the finalists up the wall. Every hold, every move was cheered on with wild enthusiasm – especially when one particular athlete stepped up: Janja Garnbret.
The 26-year-old Slovenian once again left no doubt as to who sets the standard in the sport. After her convincing win in Bouldering, she delivered again in Lead – claiming the double in Innsbruck for the fourth time. It marked her 49th World Cup victory overall, and her 30th in Lead. A truly remarkable record for the two-time Olympic champion.
“I really enjoyed the final,” Janja Garnbret said after her impressive win. “I fought well – even though I felt a bit unsure when I had to swing. The fatigue was definitely there, the past competitions have taken a lot of energy. But the crowd gave me so much power.”
And the way she dominated the final was nothing short of a masterclass: 41 holds – no slip-ups, no hesitation, just pure precision. Behind her, Laura Rogora (ITA) took second place with 33 holds, clearly trailing. Bronze went to Erin McNeice (GBR) with 32+. The final route? Technically demanding, tactically exciting – and set in a way that anything seemed possible until the end. But when Garnbret climbed, it became clear: this is a different league.
The Slovenian, who made her World Cup comeback in Innsbruck, came with a clear focus:
“I wanted to climb like I do in training – focused, calm, and with joy. And above all, I wanted to give people here a good show and a good time. Innsbruck means a lot to me. That’s exactly why it was important for me to celebrate my comeback here.”
Next up on Garnbret’s season calendar is the home World Cup in Koper, before heading to the World Championships in Seoul (KOR) in September. And judging by her form in her first two appearances of the season, she will be hard to beat there.
At the end of the final, the 26-year-old Slovenian was once again celebrated by the crowd – standing ovations for an exceptional athlete who doesn’t just dominate the sport, but inspires it. And then – as every year in Innsbruck – the traditional heart gesture with her hands. A small moment that says it all: here is an athlete who climbs with heart and passion – and writes history on every wall.
