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Mia Krampl pleased that sport climbing will change its format at Paris 2024: “I always want to see where my limits are”

by Pushpanjali Nayak

April 20, 2023 2

Mia Krampl, a Slovenian sport climber, is an athlete who always strives to surpass her limits. Her dedication and passion for the sport have helped her qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which marked the debut of sport climbing in the Olympic Games.

In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, Krampl revealed that she finds joy in testing her limits in every boulder and route she tackles. She further emphasized that she wants to be better than others and see where her limits lie. However, many climbers, including Krampl, believe that the community-driven activity is not about being better than others but rather about self-improvement.

With the IFSC World Cup season set to commence in Hachioji, Japan, Krampl, and her fellow climbers, including reigning Olympic gold medallist Janja Garnbret, are determined to push their limits further. Despite Garnbret’s remarkable achievements, Krampl highlights that there is always room for improvement, and Garnbret is an excellent example of someone who continually finds motivation to achieve more. She further notes that there are no limits in climbing, as Garnbret tops every route and boulder but remains focused on finding new goals.

Krampl has achieved a lot in the sport, including a silver medal in the women’s combined at the World Championships in 2021. Although she has her own climbing style, she finds inspiration from training with Janja Garnbret, who she notes is determined and goes into every move with 100 percent commitment, without fear of falling. Krampl is still learning from Garnbret’s moves and training style, which she describes as “insane.”

Slovenia has emerged as a leading force in the sport of climbing, thanks to the likes of Janja Garnbret, Mia Krampl, and their teammate Lucka Rakovec, who form a fierce group aiming to leave their mark on the international stage. Krampl and Rakovec faced a challenging situation ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with only one Olympic spot left, and the two of them competing for it. Krampl eventually clinched the spot, leaving Rakovec’s dreams shattered. However, they have since moved on and continue to support each other.

The sport climbing event in the Paris Games will feature separate medals for speed climbing and another for Boulder and lead combined. The total number of athletes will increase from 40 to 68, providing more opportunities for climbers. Krampl acknowledges that she needs to work on improving her bouldering skills, including coordination and slabs, and has decided to focus on training only on boulders this year.

Slovenia boasts of having five of the Top 25 in the IFSC’s rankings in lead climbing, with Garnbret ranked first and Krampl seventh. Krampl attributes the country’s success to their training focus on quality rather than quantity. She highlights that the national team members train together a lot, which has helped develop a unique talent pipeline.

The Slovenian sport climber is excited to push her own limits in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, following her qualification for the 2020 games in Tokyo. Krampl and her peers, including Janja Garnbret, who is also Slovenian, have their sights set on the mountaintop of the Paris 2024 games, despite being a part of a community-driven activity that does not focus on competition. Mia explains that every time she climbs a new route or boulder, she is testing her limits, and this is what motivates her. She also admits that she wants to be better than others. However, Krampl and many other climbers would agree that this focus on individual success goes against the spirit of climbing. The Slovenian team is unique in its training approach, which focuses on quality rather than quantity. Krampl has been inspired by her teammate and Olympic champion Janja Garnbret, who has won six world championships and moved Slovenia to the forefront of the sport. Although Krampl has her sights set on the Olympics, she admits that her goal is not solely to win medals but to improve her bouldering skills and coordination.

In conclusion, Mia Krampl is a passionate sport climber who always pushes herself to exceed her limits. Despite her achievements, she remains humble and continues to learn from her peers. Slovenia has emerged as a leading force in the sport, thanks to the likes of Krampl and her teammates. With sport climbing making its debut in the Olympics, there is no doubt that the sport will continue to attract more fans and athletes alike.