Oceania MacKenzie Aims for Olympic Glory in Sport Climbing

Oceania MacKenzie was so close to winning a medal at the Olympics, but it just slipped away. Competing in Paris, the 22-year-old climber from Melbourne had a thrilling journey that saw her reach the bronze medal position during the bouldering and lead combined final.

MacKenzie, who has been climbing since she was eight, was in her element, sharing the excitement with packed crowds at the Le Bourget Climbing Centre. “I really enjoy how physically and mentally challenging it is,” she said, explaining her love for the sports’ problem-solving nature.

Starting strong, MacKenzie quickly climbed her way up the first bouldering wall on her first try, earning points while avoiding penalties from failed attempts. She even enjoyed the thrill of being supported by the crowd, which spurred her on.

But the true challenge came in the lead climbing section, where climbers tackle a daunting 15-meter high wall. Even though MacKenzie was positioned well after the bouldering round, the lead proved to be a tougher endeavor.

Despite her efforts, fatigue set in and she lost her grip midway through the climb. Thankfully, she was safely attached to a belaying rope and floated down, still smiling despite finishing in seventh place overall.

This was quite the turnaround from her experience at the Tokyo Olympics, where she didn’t make the finals. With 104.8 points this time, she showcased a significant improvement in her performance, earning respect and admiration within the climbing community.

In the end, it was Slovenia‘s Janja Garnbret who once again claimed victory, solidifying her status as one of the best climbers in the sport.