Janja Garnbret is a Slovenian professional rock climber renowned for her exceptional achievements in sport climbing and competition climbing. She has made history as the first-ever female Olympic gold medalist in climbing, securing her title at the 2020 Summer Olympics and successfully defending it in 2024. With two Olympic gold medals, she stands as the most successful Slovenian athlete in Olympic history, showcasing her dominance in the sport on the world stage.
Garnbret’s competitive journey began at a young age, with her first international title won at the 2014 World Youth B Championships in lead climbing. She quickly rose through the ranks, entering the senior category of the IFSC Climbing World Cup in 2015. By 2016, she had already claimed multiple titles, including the World Cup seasonal titles in lead and combined disciplines, and the World Championships in lead climbing. Her remarkable consistency continued, as she won numerous World Cup events and championships, solidifying her reputation as a formidable competitor.
In addition to her competition success, Garnbret has made significant contributions to outdoor rock climbing. She became the first female climber to onsight an 8c (5.14b) graded route and has achieved multiple first female ascents of challenging routes, including the 8B+ (V14) bouldering problem, Bügeleisen, and its sit start variation, Bügeleisen SDS, graded at 8C (V15).
As of September 2024, Garnbret holds the record for the most IFSC gold medals in history, with a total of 46 World Cup victories and 66 podium finishes. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and groundbreaking achievements have not only inspired a new generation of climbers but have also redefined the standards of competition climbing.
