From Spain to South Korea: Experience Shines in Boulder World Cup Semi-Finals
The IFSC Boulder World Cup in Prague kicked off with thrilling energy, despite facing a slight delay due to severe storms in the Czech capital. The competition was fierce, with climbers showcasing their exceptional skills as they battled through the qualification rounds.
High-Octane Performance from Top Athletes
Five formidable female climbers emerged supreme, topping all five boulders. Among them, Annie Sanders from the USA and Matsufuji Anon of Japan led the charge in their respective groups, demonstrating remarkable prowess and strategic thinking.
Standout Performances: The Rising Stars
Trailing closely behind were competitors such as Francesca’s Oriane Bertone, Great Britain’s Erin McNeice, and Slovenia’s Jennifer Buckley. These athletes excelled by also topping all boulders, albeit with more attempts.
One climber who had a dramatic day was Mori Ai from Japan. Although she flashed four boulders and earned a perfect score of 100 points, her scoring was marred by an unsuccessful attempt on the final boulder. Conclusively, she secured ninth place, showcasing both her talent and the high-pressure stakes of the event.
Intriguing Stories of Young Talents
The Young Guns: Geila Macià Martín and Seo Chaehyun
Spain’s Geila Macià Martín, at just 17 years old, is participating in her second Boulder World Cup. In stark contrast, Seo Chaehyun of South Korea—only 21—is already a familiar name in elite climbing circles. Remarkably, both made it through to the semi-finals, a testament to their skills and determination.
In a heartfelt interview post-climb, Macià Martín expressed her excitement: “I’m very happy. It’s probably my first time in a semi-final for Boulder. I tried my best, and let’s see what happens.”
Despite finishing 17th overall, she gained confidence from the competition. She stated, “I think they were really cool boulders with a lot of different styles and different moves, so I really enjoyed them.” Her upbeat attitude, especially after a three-hour wait due to the weather, showcased her maturity and resilience.
On the other hand, seasoned climber Seo faced a different battle. Reflecting on her performance after the delay, she shared, “I think I was out of my rhythm, and it was a bit hard to get back.” Despite this challenge, she managed to reclaim some momentum and finished in 19th overall, although she acknowledged the struggle: “Not the best this time, but I felt good on the wall.”
Semi-Final Showdown: The Competitors’ Journey Ahead
The semi-final roster comprises 25 women climbers, including the last name on the list, Emma Edwards from Great Britain. Among those finishing in 21st overall from the qualification rounds were notable names like Nakamura Mao, the Salt Lake City World Cup winner, Adriene Akiko Clark from the USA, Ayala Kerem from Israel, and Stella Giacani from Italy.
As the excitement builds, the women prepare for fierce competition in their semi-finals and finals on Sunday, the day following the men’s medallists’ decisions.
For the latest updates and news on the IFSC Boulder World Cup, be sure to check out the IFSC website and follow their social channels like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more.
Stay tuned as these incredible athletes continue to impress and redefine the world’s expectations in competitive climbing!
