Lucka Rakovec

Lucka Rakovec, born in 2001, is a sport climber from Slovenia. She began climbing in elementary school as an afternoon activity and quickly decided it was a pursuit she wanted to dedicate her life to. Throughout her youth career, Rakovec achieved significant success, earning multiple medals at European Youth events in both Boulder and Lead disciplines. Her notable achievements include securing a European Championships gold medal in Edinburgh in 2019. These early successes established her as a prominent figure in the international sport climbing community and a key member of the Slovenian national team.

Rakovec made her debut at an IFSC World Cup event in her home country, Kranj, in 2017. Two years later, she returned to the Kranj World Cup, where she earned a bronze medal in Lead. Her career progression has also involved being an ambassador for Slovenian sports, participating in various initiatives. In late 2023, Rakovec faced a significant personal challenge when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Following her diagnosis, she underwent a total thyroidectomy, leading to a temporary break from competitive climbing for several months during her recovery.

Despite this health setback, Rakovec has demonstrated a strong commitment to returning to the sport. She has expressed her goal to regain her full health and to return to her previous performance levels, or even surpass them. Her journey highlights her resilience and dedication as an athlete. Rakovec’s continued presence in the climbing community and her ambition to achieve her pre-diagnosis form make her a noteworthy individual in the sport.