Jain Kim Becomes Oldest Woman to Win Gold
At 34 years old, Jain Kim just took her 30th Lead World Cup Gold and her first since 2019
Jain Kim has become the oldest woman to win a Lead World Cup at 34 years old with gold in Chamonix. The previous record was held by Robyn Erbesfield, who set it in 1995.
This was Kim’s first Lead World Cup gold since 2019, she’d previously won 29. Kim made it five holds higher than Nonoa Kume and Helene Janicot in finals. Chaehyun Seo was called down during her finals climb because she missed clipping a quickdraw.
“I really didn’t expect to get gold as there are so many good young climbers, I’m just happy to stand between them,” said Kim. “It’s pretty amazing. Unbelievable. I wanted to make my daughter proud, and I think she will be. I’m sure she is in bed right now but when I get back to Korea I am going to give her my medal.”
For the men, Toby Roberts took gold with Sam Avezou and Sorato Anraku rounding out the podium. “It’s absolutely incredible, I’m a bit lost for words right now,” said Roberts. “I’m still incredibly pumped and my heart is going. There are no words. The crowd was incredible and it felt so surreal up there. For me Lead has always been extra special. I really enjoy the aspect of fighting and giving your absolute maximum and hearing the crowd get behind you when you give everything.”
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
