PARK AND MAYER-VORFELDER CROWNED U19 BOULDER WORLD CHAMPIONS AS ARCO 2026 ENDS IN CELEBRATION
Matteo Reusa claims bronze for host nation Italy before a spectacular closing ceremony and a farewell dinner for all delegations
ARCO, ITALY – 25 JULY 2026 – The World Climbing Youth Championship Arco 2026 concluded on a high note at the Arco Climbing Stadium, bringing an unforgettable eight days of international competition to a close.
Organised by the Italian Sport Climbing Federation – FASI, in collaboration with World Climbing, the event welcomed the world’s leading young athletes in Lead, Speed and Boulder to one of the most iconic venues in international sport climbing.
In front of approximately 1,500 spectators, the 16 best U19 Boulder athletes in the world competed in the final events of the Championship, with Korea’s Beomjin Park and Germany’s Paula Mayer-Vorfelder claiming the final world titles of Arco 2026.
A HIGHLY SELECTIVE MEN’S SEMIFINAL
The men’s semifinal proved extremely demanding, with two particularly challenging problems testing all 24 competitors and making the battle for the eight available final places intense and unpredictable.
Germany’s Lucas Trandafir finished at the top of the semifinal standings, closely followed by Austria’s Adrian Kathan and Korea’s Beomjin Park.
Italy’s Matteo Reusa also secured his place in the final after a determined comeback. After struggling to collect points on the opening two problems, the Italian athlete reached the zone on the third and completed the final boulder, earning sixth place and the opportunity to compete for a medal in front of the home crowd.
PARK LEADS A KOREAN ONE-TWO, REUSA TAKES BRONZE
The four final problems maintained a remarkable balance among the leading athletes, keeping the final result uncertain until the closing stages of the competition.
The finalists brought all their technical skill, physical strength and determination to the wall as they battled for the last men’s title of the Championship.
Korea’s Beomjin Park became the U19 Boulder World Champion after completing three problems, including one flash, and reaching one additional zone for a total of 84.5 points.
His compatriot Chanjin Jung secured the silver medal with three tops and one zone, finishing just behind on 84.2 points.
The bronze medal went to Italy’s Matteo Reusa, whose three tops and 74.5 points earned him a place on the world podium. His result was greeted by a standing ovation from the home crowd and delivered Italy its second medal of the Championship, following Andrea Ludovico Chelleris’ silver in the U19 Lead competition.
Slovenia’s Lan Creslovnik finished fourth, followed by Austria’s Adrian Kathan in fifth, Germany’s Lucas Trandafir in sixth, Korea’s Jihoo Lee in seventh and Sweden’s Linus Qvarnström in eighth.
MAYER-VORFELDER DOMINATES THE WOMEN’S FINAL
The women’s semifinal was equally intense, requiring the athletes to demonstrate outstanding physical and technical abilities, as well as exceptional concentration and problem-solving skills.
Israel’s Alma Sapir Halevi led the standings, followed by Japan’s Kohana Mugishima and the United States’ Analise Van Hoang.
The women’s final featured complex and highly selective problems that challenged the athletes while providing a spectacular show for the large crowd. The fourth and final problem remained unsolved by all eight finalists.
Germany’s Paula Mayer-Vorfelder delivered the standout performance, completing three problems and earning 74.4 points to claim the U19 Boulder world title.
Silver went to the United States’ Analise Van Hoang, who also completed three problems and finished with 74 points, demonstrating outstanding talent and determination throughout the final.
France’s Louise Puech Yazid secured the bronze medal with two tops and one zone for a total of 59 points.
Israel’s Alma Sapir Halevi finished fourth, ahead of Croatia’s Mara Matutinović in fifth, Japan’s Kohana Mugishima in sixth, the United States’ Jolie Chi in seventh and Great Britain’s Fae Macdougall in eighth.
A RECORD-BREAKING CHAMPIONSHIP
The thrilling U19 finals brought to a close a record-breaking edition of the World Climbing Youth Championship, which for eight days welcomed the best young Lead, Speed and Boulder athletes from around the world.
Athletes, coaches, officials and delegations transformed the Federal Technical Centre and the Arco Climbing Stadium into the heart of international youth climbing, creating an event of the highest sporting and organisational level.
The Championship once again confirmed Arco’s status as one of the symbolic venues of global sport climbing and provided the next generation of athletes with an unforgettable opportunity to compete, grow and share their passion on the world stage.
A SPECTACULAR AND CONVIVIAL FAREWELL
After the final medal ceremonies, Arco 2026 ended with a spectacular closing celebration featuring an aerial dance performance, providing an evocative and emotional finale to the Championship.
The Italian Sport Climbing Federation then hosted a farewell dinner for all the participating delegations. Athletes, coaches and officials gathered together to enjoy pasta and traditional Italian arrosticini, served by the event’s volunteers.
It was a warm and convivial conclusion to eight extraordinary days of competition: one final opportunity for the international climbing community to come together, celebrate the achievements of the young athletes and say goodbye to Arco after an unforgettable World Championship.
