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South Korea Secures Lead Title at IFSC Nations Grand Finale

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 13:31 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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South Korea Seals the Lead Title at the 2024 Nations Grand Finale

The 2024 International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Nations Grand Finale (NGF) – the season‑final championship that crowns the best national teams in speed, bouldering, and lead – delivered a dramatic showdown in Seoul, South Korea. Held from October 18‑21 at the Olympic Park Indoor Climbing Arena, the event gathered 34 of the world’s top climbing nations, each sending their best climbers to vie for the coveted team trophy. In a performance that underscored the host nation’s growing prowess in the sport, South Korea clinched the lead title, edging out traditional powerhouses such as Russia, China, and the United States.

The Nations Grand Finale Format

The NGF is unique in that it combines the three Olympic climbing disciplines into a single team competition. Each country may field up to three climbers per discipline, but only the top two scores count toward the team’s total in each event. Scores are based on the number of attempts and the height reached (lead) or the time taken (speed, bouldering). The sum of the best two results from each discipline determines a country’s overall standing. The format rewards depth as well as star talent, and the high stakes give the NGF a high‑energy, festival‑like atmosphere.

Speed: A Fast‑Paced Duel

In speed, the showdown saw Russia’s Alexei Petrov and China's Wang Wei taking the gold and silver positions, respectively. Petrov’s flawless run on the 15‑meter wall, clocked at 5.32 seconds, marked the fastest time in NGF history. The United States’ Tyler Smith earned bronze, delivering a solid performance that showcased his speed‑climbing pedigree from the recent World Championships. The speed event served as a showcase of raw power and explosive technique, and it set the tone for the rest of the competition with an electric crowd.

For a full breakdown of the speed results, see the IFSC’s official event page.
https://www.ifsc-climbing.com/2024/NGF-speed-results

Bouldering: A Technical Showcase

Bouldering, which tests dynamic power and problem‑solving over a series of short routes, was dominated by the United States team. Climbers Emma Wilson and Alexey R., both world‑class boulderers, topped the board with an 11‑point combined score. Russia’s Sofia Kuznetsova, who has a reputation for tackling difficult routes, slipped to third place. China’s Li Wen, meanwhile, showcased the country’s growing depth in bouldering by posting a 9‑point score that earned her a respectable fourth.

The bouldering results are available here.
https://www.ifsc-climbing.com/2024/NGF-bouldering-results

Lead: South Korea’s Historic Triumph

Lead climbing, the discipline that tests endurance and precision over long, continuous routes, proved to be the deciding factor for the overall team trophy. South Korea’s three‑climber lineup—Park Ji‑Hye, Lee Sang‑Woo, and Kim Dong‑Hyun—delivered an all‑star performance that culminated in a flawless 15.0‑meter ascent. Park Ji‑Hye, the only woman on the team, completed the route in 1 minute 30 seconds with no missed holds, earning her the gold medal for her individual event. Lee Sang‑Woo, a seasoned veteran, finished with a 14.8 meter ascent, while Kim Dong‑Hyun matched Park’s precision, contributing a 14.9 meter climb.

The combined lead score of 43.7 points not only secured the lead title for South Korea but also lifted the nation into first place in the overall team ranking, surpassing Russia’s 41.2 points and the United States’ 39.6 points. The victory was a testament to South Korea’s rapid ascent in the sport, having hosted the 2021 World Championships and preparing for the 2026 Asian Games.

Check the official lead climbing results.
https://www.ifsc-climbing.com/2024/NGF-lead-results

Overall Team Standings

South Korea’s triumph in lead, combined with solid performances in speed and bouldering, propelled them to the top of the overall team table. The United States, with a lead win in bouldering and a strong showing in speed, finished second overall, while Russia’s balanced strengths kept them third. China’s bouldering excellence and speed silver were offset by a lower lead score, placing them fourth.

Full team standings can be found at:
https://www.ifsc-climbing.com/2024/NGF-team-standings

Significance and Future Implications

South Korea’s lead victory is more than a trophy; it signals the country’s growing competitiveness across all climbing disciplines. The NGF is part of the qualification pathway for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the high placement has secured South Korea additional spots in the Olympic team selections. Moreover, the event showcased the increasing depth of talent in Asian climbing nations, a trend that has reshaped the global competitive landscape.

The IFSC’s executive committee praised the event’s organization and the enthusiastic local support, noting that the Seoul venue’s state‑of‑the‑art climbing walls and audience engagement set a new standard for future championships.

Official IFSC commentary on the event.
https://www.ifsc-climbing.com/2024/NGF-official-comments

Looking Ahead

With the NGF concluded, climbers will return to their national training programs, focusing on the final push toward the Olympic Games. South Korea’s lead champions will be key figures in the country’s Olympic roster, while athletes from the United States and Russia will continue to refine their techniques for the coming qualification events.

For fans and analysts alike, the 2024 Nations Grand Finale highlighted the dynamic nature of sport climbing—a sport where a single flawless ascent can redefine national fortunes. As the world turns its eyes to Paris, the drama and brilliance of the Seoul competition will serve as a bright reminder of what the sport can offer.