On Monday, climbers faced intense pressure during the Boulder semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With 20 athletes competing, those climbing on Wednesday needed exceptional scores to make the top eight.
Team GB’s McArthur, who previously won a bronze medal in Lead at the 2021 World Championships, scored an impressive 45.1, bringing his combined total to 79.3. This briefly placed him in the lead until Spain’s defending Olympic champion, Ginés López, dazzled the crowd with a score of 72.0. López’s overall score of 100.7 seemed sufficient to secure a spot in the final, but with 12 climbers still to compete, the tension remained high.
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Ondra’s Stellar Performance
Ginés López held the top spot until Czech climber Adam Ondra, a five-time world champion, took the stage. Ondra’s exceptional performance earned him a score of 68.1 in Lead, culminating in an overall score of 116.8, propelling him to the top of the standings and securing his place in the final.
Japan’s Narasaki Tomoa, who had finished second in the Boulder semis, faced disappointment after slipping shortly after the 10-point hold in Lead, thereby missing out on the final. Consequently, Ginés López and McArthur advanced.
Team GB’s Roberts, another notable competitor, delivered a remarkable performance. The 19-year-old, who has won two World Cup events in Lead, scored 68.1 in Lead to match Ondra, resulting in a combined score of 122.2 and topping the rankings.
Anraku Sorato Shines Brightest
The final climber of the day, world number one Anraku Sorato, had already guaranteed his place in the final based on his Boulder score. He further cemented his lead with a score of 68.0 in Lead, bringing his total to 137.0 and securing the top spot heading into Friday’s final.
