Celebrate Janja Garnbret’s golden triumph in sport climbing at Paris 2024. Learn about her inspiring story and the milestones that led to her success.
A Leading Power in Sport Climbing
Janja Garnbret of Slovenia has once again proven why she is considered a phenomenon in the world of sport climbing. As expected, she claimed the gold medal at Paris 2024, marking her second Olympic gold. Garnbret, who made history with her victory in the combined event at Tokyo 2020, delivered an outstanding performance in the Boulder & Lead final, amassing an impressive total score of 168.5. This dominant display not only secured her the top spot on the podium but also further cemented her status as one of the greatest climbers in the history of the sport, solidifying her legacy as a true legend.
Conquering Adversity: Injury and Triumph
At just 25 years old, Janja Garnbret demonstrated remarkable resolve and mental strength, especially when faced with an injury scare during the Boulder segment of the competition. Despite suffering visible finger injuries after a fall on the final boulder, Garnbret pushed through the pain to deliver an exceptional performance. Her Boulder score of 84.4 points provided her with only a narrow 0.4-point lead over her closest competitor, Brooke Raboutou of the USA, as they entered the decisive final round. This slim margin underscored the intense competition and highlighted Garnbret’s ability to maintain her composure under pressure, ultimately paving the way for her victory.
See also: Firas Katoussi’s journey to historic gold in the Paris 2024 Men’s -80kg Taekwondo
Thriller in the Lead Final: Battle to the Wire
The Lead final was nothing other than dramatic in Paris. The athletes climbed in isolation, without knowledge of the scores of the fellow competitors, thereby heightening the tension that had been built as each in turn made an attempt at the towering 15-meter wall. As the contest progressed, Team GB’s Erin McNeice briefly threatened the medal positions, scoring 68.1 in Lead to move her total to 127.6. But world lead champion Mori Ai of Japan was magnificent, recording a score of 96.1 to take her total to 135.1 and push McNeice off the podium.
See also:Â Olympic Rhythmic Gymnastics 2024: China, Israel, and Italy Secure Medals
Final Confrontation: Garnbret’s Golden Moment
With only two climbers remaining—Austria’s Jessica Pilz and Janja Garnbret—the tension was palpable. The performance sealed Pilz onto the podium with a total score of 147.4 and assured her that she would leave Paris with at least a silver or bronze medal. So much was on the line as Garnbret stepped out onto the wall to perform her last climb. With no knowledge of what score she needed to take gold, she gave a climbing masterclass, getting closer and closer to the top hand by hand. Reaching high enough finally, 12.5 points clear, the Slovenian took her second Olympic gold.
See also:Â Olympic Rhythmic Gymnastics 2024: China, Israel, and Italy Secure Medals
Celebrating Excellence: Emotional Moments on the Podium
It was the feel-good moment: inside the arena, Garnbret and training partner Brooke Raboutou hugging each other after their gold and silver finishes. It showed the competitive spirit of the athletes but also a deep friendship that forms part of the sport climbing community.
Podium Results: Women’s Boulder & Lead, Paris 2024
Gold: Janja Garnbret of Slovenia—168.5
Silver: Brooke Raboutou of the USA—156.0
Bronze: Jessica Pilz of Austria – 147.4 points
Legacy of Janja Garnbret
There is no doubt that Janja Garnbret’s performance in Paris 2024 fixed her status as one of the most successful athletes ever in sport climbing. With back-to-back gold medals in the Olympics, secured through technical skill, physical prowess, and an unwavering will to win, she scored a new benchmark of excellence in this sport. She’ll continue to inspire and give impetus to a whole new generation of climbers, her impact on sport climbing and the broader sporting world lasting for years to come.