Jernej Kruder is European bouldering champion

In Moscow this week is the European Championship in sport climbing. Monday was the day for the bouldering competition, where Celje native Jernej Kruder already performed excellently in the semi-final, as he was the only one to top all four boulder problems. In the final, he once again proved that he is a boulder specialist and was the only one in the final to top two boulders. He topped the third boulder in less than a minute, after none of his opponents managed it.







Moscow seems fated for the 29-year-old Jernej Kruder, as at last year's World Cup bouldering event he also brought home a gold medal from Moscow. "I can't deny that there's a fateful attraction between us. But still, it was much easier to take first place this year than last year. This year's European Championship is not comparable to other championships, as many good competitors didn't come to Moscow. Still, I had to climb my best and wasn't allowed to make too many mistakes. I'm happy with the title, even though I didn't win in the toughest competition. Today's competition is a good foundation for next year." As he said after the competition, he was much more satisfied with his semi-final performance than with the final. "I didn't feel much pressure, as I wasn't aiming for the gold medal. I felt very good, and that showed in the competition itself. Today's victory is also a good foundation for the upcoming competitions here."







Anže Peharc also climbed in the semi-final, missing the final by just one spot. The selector of the Slovenian sport climbing national team, Gorazd Hren, was satisfied with his charges' performances. "Both Jernej and Anže were excellent in the qualifications. Jernej Kruder already showed in the semi-final that he is in excellent form and deservedly became the European champion. Unfortunately, Anže Peharc had a bit of bad luck in the semi-final, which is a shame, but competitions are still ahead, and we're fighting for more accolades and a ticket to the Olympic Games."







Two years ago, Jernej Kruder became the first Slovenian to win the World Cup season overall in bouldering. In the World Cup, he has stood on the podium six times, including two victories.







The Slovenians still have lead and combined ahead in the championship. On Tuesday, November 24, there will be lead qualifications, followed the next day by semi-finals and finals. Thursday is a rest day, and on Friday combined qualifications begin. The top 20 can participate in the qualifications, and the top 8 will compete for a ticket to the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. Jernej and Anže are still candidates for that coveted ticket for now.







You can follow all performances live via the IFSC YouTube channel.