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.

Women 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).

MEN 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.