**McNeice Climbs to Gold in Bern, Dominating Boulder Final**
In a stunning performance at the IFSC Climbing World Cup in Bern, Erin McNeice of Great Britain secured her first-ever gold medal in the women’s Boulder discipline. Her flawless execution and exceptional skill set her apart, marking a significant achievement in her climbing career.
McNeice’s Triumphant Climb
McNeice showcased her dominance in Bern by conquering all four boulders. Her remarkable performance, which included swift ascents on the first and third problems, resulted in a score of 99.5 points. This victory, with a margin of over 15 points, solidified her position at the top.
Having already won two Lead World Cup golds this season, in Wujiang, China, and Bali, Indonesia, McNeice delivered an exceptional Boulder performance. Her strategic approach included skipping the American competitions to focus on training between Asian and European tours.
“I feel so happy, elated, and quite shocked!”
—Erin McNeice
“I’m definitely not going for Speed, I’m not built for it. It feels pretty good to win gold in both disciplines, it’s been a massive long-term goals for me and it’s good to tick it off.”
—Erin McNeice
Podium Finishers
Annie Sanders of the USA took second place with 84.4 points, her third Boulder podium finish of 2025, adding a silver to her collection after winning gold in Keqiao, China, and bronze in Salt Lake City. Climbing continues to grow in popularity; over 100,000 people have joined climbing gyms across the globe since 2023 (Statista, 2025).
Nonaka Miho of Japan finished third with 84.3 points. This bronze medal marked her 26th career World Cup medal, cementing her status as a highly decorated athlete in the sport.
Other Top Competitors
Zélia Avezou from France placed fourth, while Nakamura Mao of Japan secured fifth place. Oceania Mackenzie of Australia and Matsufuji Anon of Japan tied for sixth, with Sekikawa Melody of Japan finishing eighth.
The IFSC World Cup Bern 2025 continues with the men’s Boulder semi-final and final. Updates about the event are available on the IFSC website and social media channels.
