Climbing · Worth knowing

After a break, the world's best lead and speed climbers are competing in Chamonix. In the speed discipline, two world records fell at the previous World Cup in Krakow: American Emma Hunt became the first woman to break the 6-second mark with 5.99 seconds, and won bronze individually. In the newly introduced mixed-team format, Hunt and Sam Watson won gold with 10.89 seconds. China dominated the same-sex relays, with Zhou Yafei and Deng Lijuan breaking the 13-second mark. For lead climbing, major names Adam Ondra and Janja Garnbret are absent from Chamonix, but the rest of the top field is registered. Ukrainian Olympian Jenya Kazbekova returns to World Cup competition after maternity leave, marking her comeback to international climbing. For Germany's lead team, Yannick Flohé and Sebastian Halenke are the focus after reaching semi-finals earlier this season, with Anna Maria Apel competing in her first Lead World Cup following an injury break.

USA Climbing has announced its 2026 Leadership Awards program, which recognizes excellence and impact within the climbing community. The awards include the Summit Medal (highest honor), Female and Male Athlete of the Year, Para Athlete of the Year categories, Youth Athlete of the Year awards, and a 100 Women for Climbing Impact Award. The nomination period runs July 1-31, 2026, with voting August 14 – September 1, and recipients announced September 10. The awards celebration will take place October 16-18 at the Boulder World Climbing Series.