Six months after her cruciate ligament and meniscus surgery, Natalia Grossman is back on the competition wall. The final North American Cup (NACS) of the season took place this weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Grossman immediately took first place in the lead competition.
Competitive brilliance at the international level
In March of this year, Natalia underwent surgery to repair her torn meniscus and cruciate ligaments in her left knee. As a result, she was also absent from the international World Cup stage this year. Grossman was the reigning overall bouldering champion for four consecutive years (2021–2024), with 11 gold medals. She also competed at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where she finished 11th.
This is a small stumbling block, but not a disaster. It's a new and challenging journey, and I'm ready!
Natalia Grossman
On Instagram, the 24-year-old consistently presented herself in a positive light and shared her healing process with her followers. She shared her successes and setbacks in detail and documented the lengthy process of getting back on the wall.
»She is Back«
usaclimbing posted this on Instagram on Friday, announcing Natalia's comeback to the competition scene.
I didn't know what to expect from this competition and I've never been so nervous before a qualification in my life.
Natalia Grossman
However, the qualification went perfectly for the American, and she immediately finished first. With a strong third place in the semifinal, she secured her place in the final.
I really can't complain, I'm already doing movements that I never thought I would be able to do again.
Natalia Grossman
Natalia will immediately resume daily physiotherapy. We hope to welcome her back to the IFSC World Cups next season.
You might be interested in:
- Natalia Grossman and Dohyun Lee win Boulder World Cup in Prague
- Natalia Grossman wins home World Cup and thus bouldering gold number 10
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Credits: Cover picture Jan Virth
