IFSC Hachioji 2023 Boulder World Cup
The first IFSC world cup of 2023 took place in Hachioji Japan. The Japanese known for having a strong contingent of boulderers had fielded 12 men and 11 women athletes. And with hometown support, the Japanese team was expected to occupy the podium positions. However, it wasn’t the case as most of the top Japanese men and women boulderers did not make it to the finals. The final’s boulder problems proved to be difficult as most climbers were unable to top except for the podium finishers.
Big names from Europe were missing. Adam Ondra was not present and Janja Garnbret did not participate in Hachioji due to a toe injury. However, one of the biggest surprises was the reigning world boulder champion of 2022 Natalia Grossman was knocked out in the semi-finals.
PC: Andreas Aufschnaiter
Prior to the commencement of the men’s final a minute of silence was observed in memory of Christoph Schweiger a member of the German team who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident at the age of 21.
Women Boulder Results
Finishing on the podium numerous times but never on the top step. But in Hachioji, Brooke Raboutou had finally won her first boulder world cup. Topping 3 out of 4 problems she dominated the final finishing ahead of Hannah Meul with only 1 top.
- BROOKE RABOUTOU | USA
- HANNAH MEUL | GER
- ANON MATSUFUJI | JPN
Women Final Highlights | Hachioji 2023
Men Boulder Results
A very challenging men’s final with only 2 tops. Problem number 4 in particular was hard to read as non of the finalists were able to get to the zone hold. However, with an impressive top on Boulder problem number 1 Mejdi Schalck was able to win his second IFSC Boulder world cup gold.
- MEJDI SCHALCK | FRA
- HANNES VAN DUYSEN | BEL
- PAUL JENFT | FRA
Men Final Highlights | Hachioji 2023
Next IFSC World Cup Event
The next IFSC World Cup event (Boulder and Speed) will be held in Seoul, South Korea from the 28th to the 30th of April.
