Lead Worlds 2019: Ondra and Garnbret Win Gold as McColl Gets Fifth

This is Garnbret's second gold medal of the world championships

Gripped August 15, 2019

Sean McColl was the sole Canadian in Semifinals and Finals at the lead world championships in Japan yesterday and went on to finish in fifth place. McColl was in fine mental and physical shape for this event and was in the top ranks throughout the competition; he qualified fifth and finished Semis in third.

Sean McColl in Lead World Championships, Hachioji, 2019. Photo courtesy of IFSC

Janja Garnbret, who won gold in bouldering a few days ago, seemed to be in a league of her own as she was the only climber to top both qualifiers and got high-points in semis and finals. She was followed by Mia Krampl in second and Ai Mori in third.

Janja Garnbret in Lead World Championships, Hachioji, 2019. Photo courtesy of IFSC

For the men, Adam Ondra, who went into finals in fifth, made only a couple extra moves to secure gold above Alex Megos in second and Jakob Schubert, who came third due to a countback to Semis as he tied with Megos. Ondra was coming off a frustrating bouldering Finals, in which he finished sixth after coming first in Semis. Next up is Speed. Finals are on Saturday at 5:30pm local time (1:30am PT, 4:30am ET). Find the livestreams here.