Climber Natalia Grossman Makes It Three World Cup Gold Medals In A Row

Natalia Grossman smiles after competing in the Womens IFSC Bouldering World Cup in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday 29 May 2022.

Just like last weekend in Salt Lake City, medals in the women’s bouldering world cup were decided with the final problem of the night, and that was Natalia Grossman’s time to shine.
The reigning world champion was the only climber to top all four boulders Sunday, doing so in 10 attempts to secure a third consecutive world cup gold medal. Also for the third time in a row she shared the podium with U.S. teammate Brooke Raboutou, who won bronze with three tops and four zones. Japan’s Miho Nonaka won silver.
“I honestly had no idea what to expect coming into this weekend,” Grossman said afterward. “I really wanted to make it happen, but I wasn’t sure. … I’m kind of in shock. There were so many points I wanted to give up in this round and I had to try so hard against my mind I guess to stay in it. Because it wasn’t over until the last second.”

Brooke Raboutou and Natalia Grossman celebrate after both medalling at the IFSC World Cup in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday 29 May 2022.

The 20-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, has now won three of four bouldering events in 2022, only earning a silver medal in the season opener last month in Switzerland. 

Raboutou, who competed in climbing’s debut at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, earned her second bronze medal of the season and third medal overall.
On the men’s side, Team USA’s Ross Fulkerson advanced to a world cup final for the first time. The 21-year-old from Portola Valley, California, placed sixth, finishing strong with tops in the last two boulders.
Climbers now have a week off before the next world cup in Brixen, Italy. Unlike Salt Lake City, which included lead competition in both of its rounds, the Brixen world cup will only feature bouldering events.