Janja Garnbret Wins Gold Again in Climbing at Olympics

Janja Garnbret of Slovenia successfully defended her title in the Boulder & Lead event at the Olympics, becoming a double Olympic champion. The 25-year-old athlete topped the podium with a combined score of 168.5 points, surpassing Team USA’s Brooke Raboutou, who took home the silver medal. Despite their competitive rivalry, Garnbret and Raboutou share a close friendship, which was evident as they embraced after the competition. Raboutou expressed pride in their mutual support, emphasizing the positive representation of their sport. Garnbret showcased her exceptional skills during the bouldering semi-finals, nearly achieving a perfect score with 99.6 points out of 100. However, the finals presented challenges when she fell during the fourth boulder and injured her finger. This moment allowed Raboutou to momentarily take the lead. Nevertheless, Garnbret's determination shone through as she regained her composure and excelled in the lead section, ultimately securing her victory. Reflecting on her experience, Garnbret described the fear she felt when her finger got stuck but noted that adrenaline pushed her to continue climbing. “I didn’t even care,” she stated, highlighting her fierce competitive spirit. With this victory, Garnbret has solidified her legacy in the climbing world, boasting eight world championship titles and a historic sweep of the Bouldering World Cup season in 2019, marking her as a trailblazer in the sport.