Janja Garnbret Dominates IFSC World Cup in Innsbruck; Neo Suzuki Wins Gold

Innsbruck, Austria – The 2025 IFSC Climbing World Cup dominated the headlines as Slovenia's Janja Garnbret and Japan's Neo Suzuki showcased their extraordinary talents, securing gold in their respective events on June 29, 2025. Garnbret, a two-time Olympic champion, delivered an exceptional performance in the women’s Lead finals, while Suzuki marked his first World Cup victory in the men’s event, both at the iconic Kletterzentrum Innsbruck.

Garnbret's return to competition was nothing short of spectacular. She clinched victory in the women’s Lead final with a commanding score of 41, outpacing her closest competitor by a significant margin. Garnbret had previously won gold in the Boulder event just two days earlier, solidifying her unmatched status in the sport. "I’m really tired after three days of climbing. It was exhausting, but at the same time, I’m so happy I climbed like I wanted to," Garnbret remarked, highlighting the support of the enthusiastic crowd as a key factor in her performance. Her successful return to the World Cup circuit further emphasizes her dominance, as it marked her third consecutive season achieving the Boulder-Leads title combination in Innsbruck.

Laura Rogora of Italy earned the silver medal with a score of 33, while Great Britain's Erin McNeice took home bronze, marking her third Lead medal of the year. The podium was rounded out by Rosa Rekar of Slovenia, who narrowly missed her first career podium finish. The event showcased a competitive field, with climbers from around the globe vying for top positions.

On the men’s side, Neo Suzuki made headlines by securing his first-ever World Cup victory. Following a series of impressive performances in both the semi-finals and finals, Suzuki expressed his exhilaration, stating, "I’m very happy with my first gold medal. My season is going very well; I would like to win the overall title." His determination was evident as he led the field, ultimately achieving a top score alongside several other competitors.

Toby Roberts from Great Britain settled for silver due to semi-final rankings, while Spain's Alberto Ginés López, who also topped the final route, claimed bronze. The competition was fierce, with other climbers such as Yoshida Satone of Japan and Germany’s Yannick Flohé missing the podium despite their strong performances.

As the IFSC World Cup Series 2025 progresses, climbers will shift their focus to the upcoming events, with the Speed competition taking center stage in Krakow on July 5-6, followed by the Lead and Speed events in Chamonix, France, mid-July. The series continues to attract global attention, and updates regarding the events can be followed through the IFSC’s digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

This year’s competition not only highlights individual athletic achievements but also reflects the growing popularity of climbing as a sport on the international stage. With the Olympics in Los Angeles set for 2028 and Paris 2024 approaching, the stakes are high for athletes like Garnbret and Suzuki, whose performances continue to inspire the next generation of climbers.