Petra Klingler: “I couldn’t have imagined a better end to my career”

The successful Swiss climber Petra Klingler competed in her last world championships in Bern this August. Adidas Terrex accompanied the 31-year-old at this emotional home game. The result is a personal portrait with an exciting look behind the scenes of a world-class athlete.

Petra Klingler is one of the most successful Swiss climbers. As a world champion in bouldering and ice climbing, third in the European Championships in bouldering and Swiss champion in speed and bouldering, she was among the elite in various disciplines for several years. Her announcement that she would end her successful competitive career with the World Cup in Bern made this summer's home game a particularly emotional affair.

Video: Petra Klingler competes in her last world championship in Bern

After the World Cup is before the Olympic qualification

Even though Petra was unable to repeat the success of Paris 2016 in Bern, she enjoyed the World Cup to the fullest at home in Switzerland. “I couldn’t have imagined a better end to my career.”

Although – it’s not quite over yet. Petra Klingler is currently trying to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris in Laval, France. The 31-year-old was already there in Tokyo in 2020 when the climbing discipline celebrated its debut and took 16th place at the time.

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris in sight: Will the 31st year old manage to qualify for a second time after Tokyo? Image: Lena Drapella
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris in sight: Will the 31st year old manage to qualify for a second time after Tokyo? Image: Lena Drapella

It's clear to me: I want to attack again. Paris 2016 would bring things full circle with Paris 2024.

Petra Klingler

If she manages to qualify again, it would give her the opportunity to say goodbye to the international competition circuit in the very city where she celebrated the greatest success of her career in 2016.

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Credits: Cover picture Lena Drapella

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