Quotes and thoughts straight out of the field of play at the fourth Boulder World Cup competition of the season.
The eighth event of the IFSC World Cup Series 2024 started in Prague, Czechia, and will conclude on Sunday, 22 September. Here is every comment collected across the entire Boulder competition.
MEN'S BOULDER QUALIFICATION
Chon Jongwon (KOR), seventh with four tops and four zones:
“I think the boulders in my group were more physical, which is good for me. I was nervous going into isolation because I remembered that last year in Prague there were some tricky boulders in the qualification round, and I did not do well.
“I am not feeling a lot of pressure, I hope I will send some hard boulders tomorrow.”
Albin Meyer (SWE), 69th with two zones, competing at his first-ever World Cup event:
“It was hard. I mean, I had a lot of fun, but it was hard! I felt like I had enough power in my body, but I was still halfway there.
I have been training in Sweden on some good-level boulders, but I was not prepared for harder problems like these. I am still learning, and I want to be better next season. I will come back because it was a lot of fun!”
WOMEN'S BOULDER QUALIFICATION
Selma Elhadj Mimoune (FRA), 15th with three tops and five zones:
“It is my last World Cup event this season, so I wanted to have a good qualification round. I found the boulders a bit hard for me, but I also believe I did not have the right beta for all of them. However, I am happy with my climbing.
“On the most physical boulders, I had some issues with my heel hook, then on another one my foot slipped. They were tricky, but they were very good! My goal here is first to make it to the semi-final, then to try hard and enjoy the competition.”
Michaela Smetanova (CZE), 27th with one top and four zones:
“It was great to compete in front of my home crowd, a completely different feeling compared. Boulders are usually tough for me, as I am more of a Lead climber, but with them cheering me on I had extra motivation to try hard.
The round could have been better for me. I was close to the top two of the boulders, but I just did not do it in time. It could have been better, but I am satisfied!”