Five medals from the European Championship in Sport Climbing

The Slovenian sport climbing national team showed at the European Championship in Munich that it does not succumb to pressure even at the biggest competitions. Most of the medals were won by the best Slovenian and world sport climber Janja Garnbret, who became European champion in lead, bouldering and boulder-lead combined. Luka Potočar became European vice-champion in lead, Mia Krampl holds the title of European vice-champion in the new Olympic boulder-lead combined.

The European Championship in sport climbing in Munich was this year a record for the Slovenian national team in terms of the number of gold medals. Indeed, we have not yet recorded three gold medals and two silvers in the history of sport climbing.



Janja Garnbret justified her role as favorite by collecting all the gold medals she desired. First she became European champion in bouldering, the next day champion in lead, and three days later champion in the new Olympic discipline of boulder-lead combined. "The last competition was not easy, as four days of competition took their toll and even two days of rest were not enough. I was physically and mentally exhausted. That's why I'm happy about the new victory and that I managed to focus and climb as best I know how. Becoming a three-time European champion means a lot to me," said the 23-year-old Carinthian, concluding the European Championship with these words.

"I leave Munich with excellent feelings, I climbed very well, I collected three gold medals. I always liked coming to this city and I think it was one of the best venues where I competed. The audience was excellent and breathed with us and encouraged us throughout the competition."

22-year-old Mia Krampl is also leaving the Bavarian capital with pleasant feelings, having won the title of European vice-champion in combined. This European Championship premiered the new Olympic discipline of boulder-lead combined. Based on special scoring, the eight best women and men from the individual lead and bouldering events at the Old Continent championship qualified for the final. "It was a very good experience. In lead I hoped for a podium, as I was well prepared, which I showed in qualifications and semi-finals. In bouldering I was just one place short of qualifying for the semi-finals. That shows I'll train bouldering even more. I went into the last competition relaxed, just trying out what the new competition format at the Paris 2024 Olympics will look like, and didn't worry about the result. Maybe relaxation is the recipe for a good result."

On the last day of competition, 20-year-old Luka Potočar also competed in combined, missing out on a medal with 5th place. He earned the silver medal for his performance in his discipline lead, where he had the highest expectations. "I'm very happy to have qualified for the semi-finals in bouldering, I was very good in lead and the combined score from both disciplines put me in the combined final. I admit I didn't expect this qualification, so I'm even more excited. I'm glad I could be part of this European spectacle, as the atmosphere and competition here were truly exceptional."

The 13-member national team received special recognition on the last day of competition. Head coach Gorazd Hren received the award for the most successful country by number of medals. According to the head coach, this award confirms the successful placements of Slovenian competitors. "I'm proud of the members of the Slovenian national team. This is a nice recognition for them, for me and for all of Slovenia. In Munich we built on successes every day of competition. I hoped for one more final appearance in an individual discipline. Qualifying two girls and one boy for the combined final is what I wanted and it wasn't a given before. The qualification and two more medals are a great foundation for the future. At the championship we tested the new competition format and I know we have room for improvement. I'm proud of the team and their achievements."

Fans will be able to support the Slovenian climbers in two weeks at the World Cup event, which will this year be at the new wall of Koper Climbing Center – Plus climbing, on September 2 and 3. The general sponsor of the Slovenian sport climbing national team PRVA also celebrates the successes and, in cooperation with the Alpine Association of Slovenia, offers you a free ticket for the event. On the website navrhu.prva.si, fill out the online form with your personal data and the free ticket for the magnificent event is yours. Tickets are also available at Eventim sales points.


Results of the Slovenian national team at the EC in Munich:


Women's Lead

Janja Garnbret: 1st place

Mia Krampl: 4th place

Vita Lukan: 12th place

Sara Čopar: 15th place

Lučka Rakovec: 22nd place


Men's Lead

Luka Potočar: 2nd place

Domen Škofic: 7th place

Milan Preskar: 21st place

Gregor Vezonik: 35th place

Zan Lovenjak Sudar: 45th place


Women's Bouldering

Janja Garnbret: 1st place

Vita Lukan: 10th place

Katja Debevec: 12th place

Mia Krampl: 21st place


Men's Bouldering

Jernej Kruder: 6th place

Anže Peharc: 12th place

Luka Potočar: 14th place

Zan Lovenjak Sudar: 23rd place

Gregor Vezonik: 37th place


Women's Boulder-Lead Combined

Janja Garnbret: 1st place

Mia Krampl: 2nd place

Vita Lukan: 9th place


Men's Boulder-Lead Combined

Luka Potočar: 5th place

Zan Lovenjak Sudar: 23rd place

Gregor Vezonik: 29th place