Table of Contents
Introduction
If there’s one athlete who has not only dominated but revolutionized modern climbing, it’s Janja Garnbret. Known for her elegance, precision, and unmatched determination, Janja has stacked victory upon victory, all while maintaining a humble and inspiring presence.
This article walks you through the Top 10 Janja Garnbret Moments That Redefined Sport Climbing — a tribute to her milestones that reshaped how the world views climbing and what’s possible on the wall.
1. First Senior World Cup Win (2016 – Chamonix, France)
At just 17 years old, Janja stepped into the senior IFSC circuit and immediately made her presence known. In the heart of Chamonix, under spotlights and pressure, she topped the lead route and clinched her first-ever World Cup gold.
This win was more than just a medal — it marked the beginning of a new era. Audiences and athletes alike knew they were witnessing something extraordinary.
2. Perfect Bouldering Season (2019)
No climber in IFSC history — male or female — had ever won every event in a single bouldering season. Until Janja.
In 2019, she claimed victory at all six IFSC Bouldering World Cup events. Every wall, every problem, every round — she dominated. This unmatched feat stunned the climbing world and firmly established Janja as the best all-around competition climber.
3. World Championship Double (2019 – Lead and Boulder)
Winning a single discipline at the IFSC World Championships is a massive achievement. Janja went a step further in 2019, taking gold in both bouldering and lead — showcasing unmatched versatility.
The World Championships in Hachioji, Japan, proved Janja’s ability to transition seamlessly between powerful, technical boulders and sustained lead routes — all under the highest pressure.
4. Olympic Gold in Tokyo (2021)
Climbing’s Olympic debut came in the form of a combined event — speed, bouldering, and lead. Though the format was controversial, Janja’s approach was clinical. She adapted, strategized, and outperformed her rivals to become the first-ever Olympic gold medalist in women’s sport climbing.
Her fluid movement, calm demeanor, and competitive fire made this victory a defining moment for both her and the sport.
5. First Woman to Onsight 8c (2017 – “Fish Eye,” Spain)
Outdoor climbing is a different beast, but Janja thrives there too. In 2017, she onsighted the 8c route “Fish Eye” in Oliana, Spain — making her the first woman in history to onsight a climb of this difficulty.
This was more than just a personal record. It was a milestone that proved female climbers were redefining the limits traditionally held by men in outdoor sport climbing.
6. Comeback from Injury (2022)
Every champion faces setbacks. In 2022, Janja suffered an injury that kept her off the wall for months. Many wondered if it would slow her momentum. Instead, she returned stronger — both physically and mentally.
She made a spectacular comeback at the 2023 IFSC Lead World Cup in Innsbruck, winning gold. The crowd erupted, not just in celebration of victory, but of resilience.
7. Second Olympic Gold in Paris (2024)
With a new format — Boulder & Lead combined — Janja returned to the Olympic stage in Paris. A torn finger pad during qualifiers didn’t stop her. She adjusted her style, climbed tactically, and captured her second gold medal.
This moment was about grit and legacy. Winning twice on the Olympic stage elevated Janja into the rarest tier of global sporting legends.
8. Winning Her First Combined World Title (2018)
In 2018, Janja captured her first combined title at the IFSC World Championships. The victory symbolized her all-around mastery across climbing disciplines — speed, boulder, and lead.
As climbing evolved into a multi-format sport, Janja stood out as the athlete who could conquer all terrains, styles, and formats with equal mastery.
9. Mentorship & Advocacy (Ongoing)
Not all defining moments are on the podium. Janja has consistently used her platform to encourage young climbers, particularly girls. She mentors youth athletes, speaks on mental health, and promotes body positivity and sustainability within sport.
Her ability to lead by example — with grace, generosity, and strength — is shaping the next generation of climbers around the world.
10. Climbing with Heart — Lead World Cup in Koper (2023)
In her home country of Slovenia, Janja delivered one of her most emotional wins in Koper. With the crowd chanting her name, she climbed flawlessly, then dropped to her knees after clipping the final hold.
It wasn’t just a win — it was a moment of full-circle connection between an athlete and her roots. A symbol of what sport can mean to a nation.
Honorable Mentions
- Appearing on TIME’s Next 100 list
- Collaborating with Adidas and Red Bull on sustainability campaigns
- Becoming a fan-favorite across all age groups
- Launching a children’s climbing book in Slovenia
What Makes Janja Garnbret So Impactful?
It’s not just the records or the medals. Janja Garnbret climbs with authenticity, creativity, and fearlessness. She takes risks when it counts. She celebrates her rivals. She owns her flaws. And she brings joy into everything she does on the wall.
Her climbing has a signature style: light, explosive, and deliberate — a mix of ballet and strength. It’s why photographers love capturing her in motion, and fans love watching her compete.
She’s made climbing a spectacle, a story, and a sport that millions now admire.
Conclusion
Through these Top 10 Janja Garnbret Moments That Redefined Sport Climbing, we witness not just a record-breaker, but a game-changer. Janja has turned moments into movements — for women in sports, for climbing fans, and for anyone chasing excellence.
Her story is far from over. But her impact is already permanent. For every child gripping a plastic hold and dreaming big, Janja Garnbret has paved the path — and lit it with gold.
