08.08.2023
Day six of the IFSC Climbing World Championships in Bern, Switzerland, was packed with excitement as the semi-finals determined the climbers to battle for the Lead medals.
The expanded Lead finals featured nine women and ten men, highlighting the growing competitiveness in the sport.
Semi-Finals Thrill the Crowd in Bern
Japan’s Mori Ai showcased her exceptional skill, topping the women’s Lead discipline, while Great Britain’s Toby Roberts led the men’s Lead. Adam Ondra of the Czech Republic, who secured second place, described the round as “probably the most boulder-y and sketchiest semi-final I’ve ever climbed.”
Records Shattered as Gold Medals Awarded at Finals
The anticipation that built through the morning culminated in an unforgettable evening as records were broken in both the men’s and women’s Lead finals.
Japan’s Mori Ai became the first Japanese climber to win a Lead World Championships title, showcasing her composure to top the route and secure a record for her country. Her victory came after an intense competition with Slovenia’s Janja Garnbret, who had to settle for silver.
Meanwhile Austria’s Jakob Schubert set a new record with his fourth Lead world title. Schubert’s win was filled with suspense as he waited for confirmation after Adam Ondra and Toby Roberts fell early. Reflecting on the victory, Schubert acknowledged the strength of young talents like Anraku Sorato, who secured a silver medal, and praised the entire field of competitors.
The Championships were further enhanced by the presence of international stars such as Germany’s Alexander Megos, who claimed bronze, adding to the atmosphere in Bern that had been electric following previous victories in the men’s and women’s competitions.
As the final moments played out and the medals were awarded, the sense of accomplishment and the thrill of the sport were palpable among the climbers and the crowd alike. It was a climactic moment that perfectly encapsulated the day’s excitement, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to this chapter of the IFSC Climbing World Championships.
Looking Ahead: A New Week of Competition Begins
With the Lead disciplines concluded, the IFSC Climbing World Championships in Bern finished off the first of two intense weeks. The current week is running ahead full steam with the Paraclimbing, Speed, and Boulder & Lead disciplines. The anticipation is already building for these exciting events, and competitors from around the world are gearing up to make their mark.
As we prepare for the next thrilling chapter of competition, full results from the Lead Semi-Finals and Finals can be accessed here for the women and here for the men, offering a detailed look at the outstanding performances that have shaped this year’s Championships thus far.
Fotos: David Schweizer