Spectacular opening: Swiss and Slovenian triumphs in Lead Climbing
LUCERNE (SUI) – The Military World Winter Games 2025 began in spectacular fashion on Monday, March 24, with an exciting lead climbing competition. Athletes from 15 nations competed fiercely for a place in the finals. Swiss climber Nino Grünenfelder impressed in the qualifiers, while Mia Krampl (SLO) dominated the women’s field.
On Tuesday morning, the top 24 competitors from the qualifiers faced off in the semi-finals, delivering impressive performances and thrilling moments for the enthusiastic crowd. Jonas Utelli (SUI), Christoph Hanke (GER), Luka Potočar (SLO), Giorgio Tomatis (ITA), Nino Grünenfelder (SUI), Sascha Lehmann (SUI), Marcello Bombardi (ITA), and Domen Škofic (SLO) advanced to the men’s final. In the women’s category, Sara Čopar (SLO), Jessica Pilz (AUT), Mattea Pötzi (AUT), Mia Krampl (SLO), Julia Chanourdie (FRA), Liv Egli (SUI), Giorgia Tesio (ITA), and Magdalena Kompein (AUT) qualified for the final round.
The finals in the afternoon delivered breathtaking action. Sascha Lehmann (SUI) climbed to victory and claimed the gold medal in the men’s event. Jonas Utelli (SUI) took the silver medal with a strong and composed performance, while Luka Potočar (SLO) secured the bronze.
In the women’s final, Sara Čopar (SLO) delivered a flawless climb under immense pressure and captured the gold medal. Jessica Pilz (AUT) took silver with a determined effort, and Mattea Pötzi (AUT) completed the podium with a well-earned bronze medal.
The excitement continues tomorrow with the speed climbing competition, promising more high-speed action and thrilling showdowns.
- All results are available at: https://www.cism-wmc.ch/en/ranking
- Pictures from the events can be found here: https://share.dma.swiss/s/poZoWrNm6ADwkg9
(Source: https://www.cism-wmc.ch/ – WINOC 25)
