Erin McNeice Claims Historic Boulder Gold at IFSC World Cup Bern 2025

Erin McNeice, a prominent British climber, made history at the IFSC Climbing World Cup held in Bern, Switzerland, on June 14, 2025, by winning her first-ever gold medal in the Boulder discipline. McNeice's performance was marked by her ability to top all four bouldering problems, culminating in an impressive score of 99.5 points, which earned her victory over notable competitors including Annie Sanders from the United States and Japan's Nonaka Miho.

In what was described as a breakthrough performance, McNeice showcased her skills by achieving four tops, including flashes on the first and third problems. This victory is particularly significant as she is the first British woman to secure gold medals in both the Boulder and Lead events, having previously won two Lead World Cups earlier in the season in Wujiang, China, and Bali, Indonesia.

"I feel so happy, elated, and quite shocked!" McNeice expressed her joy post-competition. "I want to do all the European World Cups and there are quite a lot of them. I decided to skip the American competitions so that I could have a chance to train between the Asian and the European tours. I’m definitely not going for Speed; I’m not built for it. It feels pretty good to win gold in both disciplines; it’s been a massive long-term goal for me, and it’s good to tick it off."

Annie Sanders secured second place with a score of 84.4 points, having previously claimed gold in Keqiao, China, and bronze in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sanders has now reached the podium three times this season, showcasing her consistent performance in the Boulder discipline. Following closely was Nonaka Miho, who finished third with a score of 84.3 points. This bronze medal marks her 26th career World Cup medal, further solidifying her legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in bouldering history.

The remainder of the top eight included France’s Zélia Avezou in fourth place (74.3 points), Japan's Nakamura Mao in fifth (69.7 points), Oceania Mackenzie from Australia and Matsufuji Anon of Japan tying for sixth (69.6 points), and Sekikawa Melody of Japan rounding out the final at eighth place (54.0 points).

The IFSC World Cup Bern 2025 continues with the men’s Boulder semi-final and final scheduled for June 15, 2025. Updates and results can be followed through the IFSC’s official digital channels.

This event not only highlights the rising talents in competitive climbing but also marks a significant moment for McNeice, who has emerged as a leading figure in the sport. As the climbing community looks ahead, her achievements may inspire a new generation of athletes aiming for excellence in this dynamic sport. The implications of her victories could also influence future competitions, as athletes strategically plan their seasons to optimize performance across various disciplines.

With the growing popularity of climbing as an Olympic sport, particularly with the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Games, McNeice’s achievements may also play a pivotal role in attracting more attention and investment into the sport, which has been rapidly gaining traction worldwide. The future of competitive climbing looks promising, with athletes like McNeice at the forefront of this evolution.