The Lead semi-final rounds at the IFSC Climbing World Cup Innsbruck 2025 ignited the excitement meter as **eight trailblazers** from both the men’s and women’s divisions secured their spots in tomorrow’s highly anticipated finals. In an electrifying display of skill and determination, Slovenia’s **Janja Garnbret** dominated the women’s event, while Japan’s **Suzuki Neo** distinguished himself as the standout performer among men, clinching the only top of the competition.
**Garnbret Leads the Charge**
**A Pinnacle Performance by Garnbret**
Once again, **Janja Garnbret** showcased her extraordinary talent, securing the **top spot** in the women’s semi-final with a score of **44+**—the highest of the round—despite not achieving a top. Just days after her **Boulder gold victory**, she is on the verge of making history with a chance at a double gold, mirroring her triumphs at the **Kletterzentrum** in 2023 and 2024. With each climb, Garnbret proves why she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of competitive climbing.
**A Tight Race for the Podium**
Tied for second place with impressive scores of **42+** were three formidable athletes: **Erin McNeice** of Great Britain—who previously dominated the two Lead World Cups in **Wujiang** and **Bali**, **Laura Rogora** of Italy—who finished fourth in both events, and **Annie Sanders** of the USA—returning strong after claiming third in Wujiang. This tight race sets the stage for an unforgettable final.
**Noteworthy Junctures**
**Doumont Makes History**
Following the top four, **Rosa Rekar** and her teammate **Lucka Rakovec** from Slovenia took fifth and sixth place, respectively. More remarkably, **Heloïse Doumont** from Belgium wrote her own chapter of history by making her **first-ever IFSC World Cup final**, landing in seventh. South Korea’s **Seo Chaehyun** rounded out the women’s top eight in eighth place.
Doumont shared her exhilaration: “It’s crazy to make my first final. Competing in Innsbruck against such strong climbers is surreal. When I fell, I didn’t know I was in first, but my coach yelled: ‘Hello! You’re first!’ and I thought, “Okaaay! Maybe I will go to the final,” reflecting the pivotal moments that brought her to this exciting milestone.
Emphasizing her dedication, she added: “I trained very hard, every day of the year, to give my best, and now it’s all paying off.”
**Finalists Ready to Shine**
The eight women advancing to the finals are:
Janja Garnbret (SLO) – 44+
Erin McNeice (GBR) – 42+
Laura Rogora (ITA) – 42+
Annie Sanders (USA) – 42+
Rosa Rekar (SLO) – 40+
Lucka Rakovec (SLO) – 39+
Heloïse Doumont (BEL) – 39+
Seo Chaehyun (KOR) – 38+
For detailed insights into the full results of the women’s Lead semi-final, click here.
