“I WANT TO TRUST MY ABILITIES MORE”: KÖHLER EYES NEXT STEP IN CHAMONIX

The World Climbing Series Chamonix 2026 continues this weekend with the fourth Lead competition of the season, bringing the world’s best climbers back to the iconic red wall in Place du Mont Blanc.

Following last month’s action in Innsbruck, Austria, the Lead Series moves to one of the sport’s most historic venues, where Brazil’s Anja Köhler returns with fond memories after reaching the first World Cup semi-final of her career in 2025.

KÖHLER BUILDING ON BREAKTHROUGH SEASON

Now 22 years old, the climber from Brazil has already matched last year’s milestone twice in 2026, advancing to the semi-finals in Wujiang, China, where she finished 22nd, and Prague, Czechia, where she recorded a career-best 20th place.

With her foot injury now behind her, Köhler arrives in France eager to continue that upward trajectory.

“I’m really excited to be back in Chamonix. It’s always been one of my favourite World Cups because of the beautiful venue and the incredible history of the event. Reaching my first World Cup semi-final here last year makes it even more special to return.

“In the three weeks between Innsbruck and Chamonix, I was able to recover well from my foot injury, and I’ve been feeling good in training. So I’m really looking forward to competing here again,” she said.

CHASING THE NEXT STEP

Making a World Cup final once felt out of reach for Köhler, but two semi-final appearances this season have changed her perspective.

“Reaching a World Cup final always felt impossible to me. I never even dreamed that it could happen. But after climbing in two semi-finals this season, I’ve realised that it’s not impossible anymore.”

To bridge the gap, Köhler believes both experience and confidence will be key: “I think the next step is to get more experience climbing semi-final-style competition routes, especially onsight. I still need to climb a lot more routes like these to become more comfortable and confident, so I’m trying to climb as many competition-style routes as possible in training.

“Another thing is that I need to improve my mental game and trust my abilities more. I’m still often surprised when I reach the headwall, and I often change my climbing for the worse when I get to a point I didn’t think I would reach.”

A SPORT REACHING NEW COUNTRIES

Köhler believes the current generation is helping transform competitive Climbing into a truly global sport.

“It’s really exciting to be competing at a time when our sport is growing so much," she commented. "Every season we see athletes from new countries reaching semi-finals, finals, standing on the podium and even winning World Cups. Watching Putra Tri Ramadani win in Prague was really inspiring.

“It’s great for the sport because it shows that climbing is becoming truly global. It’s no longer just a few countries fighting for the medals, and that makes every competition even more exciting.”

Her own semi-final appearance in Chamonix last year also marked a milestone for Brazilian climbing.

“As a Brazilian athlete, I’m really proud that I could be part of this change for Brazil. Being the first Brazilian to reach a Lead World Cup semi-final since 2009 is something I’ll always be proud of, and I hope it’s only the beginning.

“Hopefully, it inspires more young climbers in Brazil to believe that they can compete at this level too.”

BIG GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

While another semi-final remains the immediate objective, Köhler already has one eye on the seasons ahead: “For the rest of this season, I want to reach as many semi-finals as possible, gain as much experience as I can, and keep getting closer to making a final. My goal for next season is to reach the level where I can fight for a place in the final.

"Later this year, I’ll also compete at the South American Games in Argentina, where my goal is to win the competition.

“Another goal is to finish the season in the Top 40 of the World Ranking, which would also help Brazil earn an additional starting place for next season.

“And of course, my biggest dream and long-term goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games in LA28. If that became reality, it would also mean becoming the first South American Sport Climber to qualify for the Olympic Games, which would make it even more special.”

STARS READY FOR CHAMONIX

The women’s competition will feature a stacked field led by Annie Sanders of the USA, who tops the Lead Series Ranking presented by Euroholds after victories in Wujiang and Prague. Olympic silver medallist Brooke Raboutou of the USA also returns after opening her 2026 campaign with bronze in Alcobendas, Spain.

In the men’s event, Japan’s Suzuki Neo arrives as the Series leader following victories in Wujiang and Innsbruck. Spain’s Alberto Ginés López, runner-up in Chamonix in 2025, also returns to competition as he continues the season with a new coaching setup led by Roman Kranjnik.

NEXT UP

The Lead competition gets underway today, 11 July, with qualifications starting at 08:00 (UTC+2:00). The event will conclude on Sunday, 12 July, with the semi-finals beginning at 10:00 and the finals at 20:30.

News and updates about all World Climbing events will be available on the World Climbing website, and on the Federation’s digital channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, and exclusively for the Chinese audience, Douyin, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu.