European championships have kicked off
With the official opening ceremony, the European Youth Championships in Sport Climbing kicked off in Žilina.
More than 400 athletes from 31 European countries have arrived at the championship to compete in the disciplines of LEAD and SPEED. Over 290 competitors are registered for the LEAD discipline, while 111 climbers will take part in speed climbing. The competition will be held in the U17, U19, and U21 categories, both male and female.
Slovakia will have strong representation on home soil – in the LEAD discipline, 15 Slovak athletes will compete, covering all age categories.
SLOVAK TEAM – LEAD
U17: Ema Turská, Ella Trembová, Iveta Mamojková, Michal Mihál, Šimon Jakubec, Jakub Kasander
U19: Zoja Slamková, Katarína Hollá, Filip Buček, Artur Pankuch, Filip Matejička
U21: Martina Buršíková, Sára Šimeková, Martin Matúšek, Eliáš Kysela
In the SPEED discipline, Slovakia will be represented by a single competitor, Timotej Ondrejka, in the U19 category.
The event was officially opened on Thursday evening by Tijl Smitz (President of the IFSC Europe Council Board), Anton Pacek (President of SHS JAMES), and Monika Šišková (Director of the Department of Education at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic).
For Žilina and Slovakia as a whole, this is an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to organize a top-level event, attract sports fans, and at the same time promote and bring sport climbing as an Olympic discipline closer to the general public. We believe that among the competitors we will witness future Olympic champions.
European Champions in SPEED Discipline Crowned
The European Youth Championships in Sport Climbing in Žilina brought thrilling battles in the SPEED discipline on Saturday. The fastest climbers from across Europe showcased excellent form, confirming that the future of this dynamic sport is in very good hands.
Girls U17, U19, U21
In the U17 category, the European title went to Alice Marcelli (ITA), who defeated Rebecca Belardinelli (ITA) in the final with a time of 8.05. The bronze medal went to Maya Walter (AUT).
In U19, Sara Strocchi (ITA) delivered a flawless run in the final, stopping the clock at 7.44 to take the title. Kseniia Horielova (UKR) finished second, while Eva Mengoli (ITA) claimed bronze.
The U21 crown went to Manon Lebon (FRA), who set the fastest women’s time overall – 6.99. Silver went to Agnese Fiorio (ITA), and bronze to Louise Fontaine (FRA).
Boys U17, U19, U21
In U17, Léo Grosset (FRA) triumphed with a time of 5.59 seconds, defeating Sofiane Vial (SUI) in the final. The bronze medal went to Boris Bechev (BUL).
In U19, Aodhan Umlauf (SUI) dominated with a time of 5.65, leaving no chance for Tommaso Magni (ITA) in the final. The bronze medal went to Andrin Zedler (GER).
The U21 title was claimed by Jérôme Morel (FRA), who set the fastest time of the entire day in the final – 5.24 seconds – to secure gold. Marco Rontini (ITA) took silver, while Denys Mozolevych (UKR) earned bronze.
Slovakia was represented in this discipline by Timotej Ondrejka (U19), who, in his first appearance at an international event, finished in 30th place.
The crowd in Žilina enjoyed an atmosphere full of tension, speed, and adrenaline, as climbers delivered explosive starts and precise movements on the 15-meter wall.
The European Youth Championships once again confirmed that sport climbing is gaining popularity and raising a generation of athletes who may one day compete for Olympic medals.
France dominated the medal table at the championship in Žilina
The Youth European Championships in sport climbing, lead discipline, attracted more than 260 young climbers from across the continent. The event delivered plenty of dramatic battles, tight results, and showed that the future of European climbing is truly in good hands.