Austrian climber Anika Deubler wins Junior Lead World Championship

Eighteen‑year‑old Anika Deubler of Austria captured the junior lead climbing world title at the 2026 championships in Arco, Italy. Representing the WKV AlpenAlpin WallStars and training at the Bundesleistungszentrum Innsbruck, she topped the field in qualification, maintained her lead in the semifinal and secured victory in the final.

Deubler's triumph follows an injury‑forced hiatus in 2025 that kept her from competition, making her comeback especially noteworthy. Bad Goisern, her hometown, honoured her achievement; deputy mayor Traudi Glas presented the municipality’s congratulations. Looking ahead, Deubler plans further participation in the adult World Cup circuit and aims for the European Championships in France later this year.