In the electrifying atmosphere of Paris 2024, sport climbing soared to unprecedented heights, with Janja Garnbret at the center of it all. As a defending Olympic champion and eight-time world champion, Garnbret was already a name synonymous with excellence in the sport. However, the challenge she faced at this year’s Olympics would test not only her physical prowess but also her mental fortitude.
The competition at Le Bourget Climbing Venue was fierce, with thousands of fans filling the stands, some discovering the sport for the first time, others seasoned climbers themselves. They were treated to a spectacle of athleticism and determination that culminated in one of the most dramatic finales in the history of the sport.
Garnbret’s journey to her second Olympic gold was fraught with obstacles, the most significant being an injury she sustained during the Boulder section of the final. As she slipped from the final boulder, a grimace crossed her face, revealing the pain of a possible finger injury. "I was really scared because my finger got stuck... I was scared I had fractured something," she later confessed. Yet, driven by adrenaline and an unyielding will, she pressed on, determined to complete the competition regardless of the pain.
The climbers had to conquer what former Olympian Shauna Coxsey described as "quite possibly the hardest route we’ve ever seen in women’s competition." Garnbret, unaware of how close the competition was, needed to reach the 72-point hold to secure the gold. The pressure was immense, but the Slovenian athlete moved with precision and grit, ultimately reaching beyond the required mark before a slip brought her climb to an end.
The moment of victory was charged with emotion. As Garnbret turned to face the crowd, the realization of her achievement set in—she had become a two-time Olympic champion. Tears of relief and joy flowed as she embraced her training partner and silver medalist, Brooke Raboutou. "This was our wish, that we would stand on the Olympic podium together," Garnbret shared, highlighting the deep camaraderie that defines the sport.
The journey to gold was not hers alone. The routesetter for the event, Austrian Martin Hammerer, played a crucial role in shaping the challenge that would test the mettle of the world’s best climbers. His work ensured that the final climb was a true test of endurance, skill, and mental strength, leaving even the greatest climber of all time unsure of her victory until the very last moment.
Coach Simon Julian reflected on Garnbret’s performance: “Janja’s ability to push through pain and uncertainty is what sets her apart. Her mental toughness is extraordinary, and that’s what makes her a champion, time and time again.”
As the climbers descended from the walls, the emotions of the day lingered in the air. Bronze medalist Jessica Pilz of Austria, too, was moved to tears, showcasing the immense effort and passion that this sport demands. The Paris 2024 sport climbing events not only crowned new champions but also inspired a new generation of climbers, with Garnbret leading the way.
Though the competition has ended, the impact of Garnbret's victory will resonate within the climbing community for years to come. As she looks toward future competitions, including the World Cup and World Championships, one thing is clear: Janja Garnbret's legacy in the sport of climbing is far from over.
