2023 Lead World Cup Koper: Garnbret and Sorato Take Center Stage

2023 Lead World Cup Koper Results

The World Cup circuit headed to Slovenia for the 2023 Lead World Cup Koper event, which attracted a huge crowd, great atmosphere, and twenty-one of Slovenia’s strongest climbers. The event marked the second time Koper has hosted the event and it didn’t disappoint. It attracted a strong field of climbers from around the world that went head-to-head in the Lead climbing discipline.

Women’s Lead

After taking home the silver medal in last years Koper event, Slovenia’s Janja Garnbret was determined to redeem herself by taking home the gold medal at the 2023 Lead World Cup Koper event. On her home turf, in spectacular fashion Garnbret topped the final route which ultimately secured her the top of the podium.

“Finally, I got my revenge here in Koper. I enjoyed it so much…I don’t think I’ve ever been as relaxed as I’ve been in this competition. I enjoyed it a lot climbing in front of the home crowd. I’ve had a lot of support which I really enjoyed, and I finally got my first place in Koper.”

Janja Garnbret, IFSC

The defending champion of last years Koper event was Japan’s Ai Mori who clenched the silver medal at this years event. She finished with a 44+, just falling short of the final jump to the TOP boulder. Mori fluidly climbed the final route making it an exciting showdown between Garnbret and Mori.

The crowd roared with excitement as they knew that their hometown climber, Garnbret, was able to pass Mori’s score and TOP out the final with grace and vigor.

Joining Garnbret on the podium was her fellow Slovenian climber Vita Lukan who finished with a strong finish of 40+. Despite losing her chalk bag two thirds into her climb, she was able to stay focused and give the crowd much excitement as she pushed forward to make it a night to remember for her fellow Slovenian’s cheering her on.

Men’s Lead

Japan’s Sorato Anraku took home his second gold medal on the 2023 World Cup circuit. Sorato has been showing exceptional skill, strength, and endurance throughout this years competitions, and the 2023 Lead World Cup Koper event was no exception.

“I was so nervous before my climb, but I tried to put that to the back of my mind and just climb well. After my first Lead gold in Briancon I wanted to carry that on, and I have been training really hard. I wanted another gold in Koper and I have it now so I’m happy.”

Sorato Anraku, IFSC

Sorato secured his lead ahead of America’s Jesse Grupper who placed second at this years event with a sold 42+ performance. Grupper progressed slowly throughout the climb, but was able to successfully pull through the difficult problems to secure himself a silver medal.

Joining Sorato and Grupper on the podium was the 2020 Olympic gold medalist Alberto Ginés López. The Spanish climber only scored a 23, but it was just enough to put him ahead of his fellow competitors who were greatly challenged by the second section of the route.

The blue boulders appeared difficult to maneuver and handle to most of the competitors causing many of the athletes in the final to fall below the 23 score set by López. This 2023 Lead World Cup Koper event made for great comeback for López who has not been able to make the podium on the 2023 World Cup circuit until now.

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