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Jan Garnbret's career breakthrough before returning to the racing arena
Slovenia⚽ SportsCenter9/3/2026

Jan Garnbret's career breakthrough before returning to the racing arena

Janja Garnbret, a prominent Slovenian climber, is returning to competitive climbing after a period away from competition. She will compete at the 30th edition of the World Cup event in Koper, Slovenia, where she is expected to be a top contender. This event holds special significance for her, especially due to recent changes in her training environment. Garnbret has partnered with Spanish climber Alberto Ginés López, who moved to Slovenia to train with her and her coach, Roman Krajnik. The competition will take place on September 4 and 5, featuring qualifications, semifinals, and a final. Garnbret has expressed enthusiasm for competing in front of home crowds, noting the unique energy provided by local fans. Despite past challenges, including finishing second in Koper in 2022 and failing to qualify for the finals in 2019, she remains confident in her performance this year. Additionally, Garnbret expressed joy over the bronze medal won by her fellow Slovenian climber, Lučka Rakovec, at the European Championships.

Lučka Rakovec, a 25-year-old Slovenian climber from Ljubljana, secured a bronze medal at the European Championships in sport climbing held in Laval, France, on August 30, 2026. Competing in the bouldering discipline, she advanced to the finals with a fourth-place finish in the semifinals before improving her performance to win the third position. This marks her second individual medal at European Championships level, following her gold medal at the 2019 European Championships in Edinburgh when she was just 18 years old. Rakovec, daughter of Matjaž Rakovec, mayor of Kranj, had suffered two seasons lost due to thyroid cancer diagnosed in November 2023. She returned to competition in 2025 after successful surgery and made her comeback at the European Championships, proving once again her place among the world’s elite climbers. Before heading to France, Rakovec doubted whether she would even be able to compete, but she became the top Slovenian competitor in qualifications with a third-place finish. In the morning semifinal, she placed fourth with a height of 43+ meters, demonstrating her readiness for the challenge ahead. In the final, Rakovec achieved a height of 51+ meters, taking control of the lead and setting a new personal best. Only two competitors improved upon her result, Belgium's Heloise Doumont with a height of 52+ meters and Britain's Erin McNiece, who won gold with the highest overall score. McNiece had already led in both qualifications and semifinals. Among other Slovenian climbers, Mia Krampl reached the final with eight attempts and finished fifth with a height of 42+. Lucija Tarkuš narrowly missed the final, finishing ninth after exceeding the six-minute time limit on the wall. Her climb was not recognized due to the time violation, despite being close enough to qualify. Rosa Rekar, a World Cup silver medalist in climbing, faced disappointment in her first European Championship appearance. Despite having three top-five finishes in World Cup events this season, she scored only 23+ meters in the semifinals, placing her 20th out of 24 competitors. In men's competition, Slovenia did not reach the final. Luka Potočar, the country’s top climber, qualified tenth but failed in the semifinals, falling at 19+ meters in the lower section of the route. He had previously won silver at the 2022 European Championships in Munich but ended this year's tournament in 15th place. Another Slovenian, Samo Golob, exited in the qualification round, finishing 48th out of 62 competitors. The European title in men’s climbing went to Spain’s Alberto Gines Lopez with a height of 40+. Italy’s Giovanni Placci claimed second place with a height of 36+ meters, while French climber Sam Avezou took third with a height of 33+ meters. With the European Championships concluded, the climbing circuit will move to Slovenia, where the World Cup series will take place in Koper from September 4 to 5. Top Slovenian climber Janja Garnbret will also participate in the event. Rakovec, back on form and earning a bronze medal, has drawn attention and support from fans and climbing enthusiasts, encouraging them to attend the weekend event on the coast.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 9 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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14 reports

The Slovenia Times logoThe Slovenia TimesIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 858/30/2026
After cancer recovery Lučka Rakovec climbs to European bronze

Slovenian climber Lučka Rakovec secured a bronze medal in the lead discipline at the European Sport Climbing Championships in Laval, France, marking her first podium finish at a major competition since recovering from thyroid cancer. Rakovec, who previously won the European title in 2019 at age 18, had missed two seasons due to her illness before making a comeback in 2025. Despite facing challenges this year, she expressed pride in her achievement and reflected on her difficult journey. In the finals, Rakovec climbed to a score of 51+, but Belgian Heloise Doumont narrowly beat her with a 52+ score to win silver, while British climber Erin McNiece claimed gold. Fellow Slovenian Mia Krampl placed fifth. The event took place alongside the World Climbing Europe Championship in Laval, though reigning world champion Janja Garnbret did not participate.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports competition and does not involve political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides a balanced account of the competition, athlete quotes, and results without apparent bias or framing that favors one side over another.

Why factuality (90): This article presents the facts clearly and concisely, confirming Rakovec's bronze medal win, her cancer history, and her performance details. It matches the cross-source consensus and does not add any unsupported information. The quotes from Rakovec are presented as direct statements without appare

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting both her achievements and challenges without overtly favoring one perspective over another. There is a slight leaning toward celebrating her comeback, but it remains largely objective.

Siol.net logoSiol.netState / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 909/3/2026
Jan Garnbret's career breakthrough before returning to the racing arena

Janja Garnbret, a prominent Slovenian climber, is returning to competitive climbing after a period away from competition. She will compete at the 30th edition of the World Cup event in Koper, Slovenia, where she is expected to be a top contender. This event holds special significance for her, especially due to recent changes in her training environment. Garnbret has partnered with Spanish climber Alberto Ginés López, who moved to Slovenia to train with her and her coach, Roman Krajnik. The competition will take place on September 4 and 5, featuring qualifications, semifinals, and a final. Garnbret has expressed enthusiasm for competing in front of home crowds, noting the unique energy provided by local fans. Despite past challenges, including finishing second in Koper in 2022 and failing to qualify for the finals in 2019, she remains confident in her performance this year. Additionally, Garnbret expressed joy over the bronze medal won by her fellow Slovenian climber, Lučka Rakovec, at the European Championships.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports-related event involving a national athlete and does not engage with any politically charged issues. It provides factual information about the competition, the athlete’s return, and her personal reflections without showing bias or taking a stance on any political or社会性

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about Janja Garnbret's return to competition, her new training partner Alberto Ginés López, and the significance of the home event in Koper. The facts align with general knowledge about Garnbret’s career and recent developments. However, some details like sp

Why objectivity (90): The tone remains largely neutral and focused on reporting events and quotes from Garnbret. It avoids overt bias or emotional language, though it does highlight her status as a favorite, which is standard in sports journalism.

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 809/2/2026
Lučka Rakovec beat cancer and took to the stage

The article highlights the achievements of Slovenian climber Lučka Rakovec, who recently won a bronze medal at the European Championships in Laval, France. This marks her first major victory since overcoming cancer in late 2023. The piece emphasizes her emotional return to competitive success and her optimism for future performances, including the upcoming World Cup event in Koper. It also mentions Janja Garnbret's achievement in winning her first World Cup title in the difficult climbing discipline, though this is secondary to Rakovec's personal triumph. The article includes quotes from Garnbret, Slovenian selectors, and Rakovec herself, expressing pride and hope for her continued success.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports achievements and does not present any politically charged content. It provides balanced coverage of both climbers' successes without taking a clear ideological stance. The tone remains celebratory and supportive, focusing on athletic performance rather than political or

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Rakovec's bronze medal win, her cancer history, and her performance. It aligns with the cross-source consensus and includes relevant details about her return to competition. Some phrases like 'v sedmih letih od raja do pekla' are metaphorical but do not contradict fact

Why objectivity (80): The tone is empathetic and acknowledges the difficulty of her journey, which adds emotional weight to the report. While not overtly biased, it emphasizes her resilience and comeback, which can be seen as slightly one-sided in focus.

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 809/1/2026
The Crab: From Paradise to Hell and Back in Seven Years

Lučka Rakovec, slovenski težavnostni plezalec, je osvojila bronasto kolajno na evropskem prvenstvu v Lavalu v Franciji, kar predstavlja njen prvi uspeh po več kot sedmih letih. Po tem času, ko je bila evropska prvakinja in je stala na stopničkah domače tekme v Kranju, je Rakovec potekala skozi težko obdobje zaradi zdravstvenih težav, vključevalih odkriti rak v ščitnici. Njeno najnovejše dosežek prikazuje, da je vrnjena na predhodno ravnotežje in da ima stabilno formo v tekmovanju. Rakovec izraža optimizem glede svojega nastopa na naslednjem tekmovalnem mestu v Koperu.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event and athlete performance, which is generally considered apolitical. The content does not involve political figures, policies, or contentious social issues. The narrative is centered around athletic achievement and personal recovery, without any overt ideological,

Why factuality (85): The article provides accurate information about Rakovec's bronze medal win, her cancer recovery, and her performance. It includes quotes from her and her partner, Luka Potočar, which are presented as direct statements. The article aligns with the cross-source consensus and does not introduce conflic

Why objectivity (80): The tone is supportive and highlights her perseverance and success, which is appropriate given the context. However, the emotional emphasis on her journey and the quotes from her partner may reduce the perceived neutrality of the report.

Žurnal24 logoŽurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/30/2026
Slovenia, even in the absence of Garnbret, to the new medal!

Slovenska športna plezalka Lučka Rakovec je osvojila bronasto medaljo na evropskem prvenstvu v težavnosti v Lavalu, kar je predstavljalo njeno drugo odličje na članskih prvenstvih stare celine. Rakovec, ki je leta 2019 osvojila naslov evropske prvakinje, je zaradi raka na ščitnici izgubila dve sezoni, a se je leta 2025 vrnila na tekmovalne stene. Po operaciji je uspešno nastopila na prvenstvu in se prvič po bolezni zavihtela na stopničke na mednarodnih tekmovanjih. Mia Krampl je osvojila peto mesto, medtem ko so druge plezalke, kot so Lucija Tarkuš in Rosa Rekar, dosegli različne rezultate. Finala v moški konkurenci ni udeležil noben slovenski plezalec.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without any political implications. The focus is solely on athletic achievements and does not involve political figures, policies, or societal issues. Therefore, the framing is neutral and balanced.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Lučka Rakovec's bronze medal win at the European Championships in Laval, France, and provides details about her cancer recovery and previous achievements. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding her return to competition and her performance. However, it inc

Why objectivity (80): The tone is generally positive and supportive, focusing on Rakovec's personal journey and triumph. While the reporting is factual, there is a slight emotional emphasis on her struggle and recovery, which slightly reduces objectivity.

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 708/31/2026
Gorazd Hren is looking forward to the spectacle with Jan Garnbret in Koper

The article discusses Slovenia's return from the European Championships in France, highlighting Luka Rakovec's bronze medal performance. It focuses on the upcoming World Cup event in Koper, which marks the 30th edition of the World Cup in Slovenia. The event will feature top climbers, including world champion Janja Garnbret, who is expected to win again. Slovenian coach Gorazd Hren looks forward to the spectacle at the Koper climbing wall, where large crowds are anticipated. The article emphasizes the importance of hosting international competitions in Slovenia, noting that climbing has become one of the country's leading sports. It highlights the development of climbing in Slovenia over the past three decades, mentioning improvements in infrastructure, media coverage, and youth participation. The article also acknowledges the contributions of athletes like Martina Čufar, who was the first Slovenian climber to achieve major successes on the global stage.

Bias read (Center): While the article covers a national sports event with some discussion of national pride and achievements, it does not take a clear ideological stance. The focus is on celebrating athletic accomplishments and the growth of climbing in Slovenia, without overtly promoting any political agenda. The tone

Why factuality (85): The article provides accurate information about the European Championships and the upcoming World Cup event in Koper. It mentions specific athletes like Luka Rakovec and Janja Garnbret, and details the significance of the event as a jubilee. The facts align with the cross-source consensus about the

Why objectivity (70): The article has a positive tone towards Slovenian sports and specifically highlights the success of Janja Garnbret. While it presents factual information, there is some editorializing in the quotes from Gorazd Hren and the interviewee, which leans slightly towards promoting the event and Slovenian a

Večer logoVečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 708/30/2026
Exceptional: Lučka Rakovec after a difficult return to the European bronze!

Lučka Rakovec, 25-year-old climber from Ljubljana, won bronze at the European Championships in climbing after a difficult return from illness. She had lost two seasons due to thyroid cancer diagnosed in November 2023 but successfully returned to competition in 2025. In the final, she achieved a height of 51+, securing third place behind Belgium’s Heloise Doumont (52+) and Britain’s Erin McNiece, who became the new European champion. This marks Rakovec’s second medal at continental championships, having previously won gold in Edinburgh in 2019. Other notable performances included Mia Krampl finishing fifth and Lucija Tarkuš narrowly missing the final due to time constraints. In men’s competition, Slovenia was unrepresented in the final, with Luka Potočar failing to advance beyond the semifinals.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on sports achievements and does not engage with political issues, officials, or public policy. It provides factual information about a climber’s performance and health challenges without any ideological framing or bias.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Lučka Rakovec’s bronze medal win, her position in the final, and her background. It matches other sources in key details such as scores and her history. It maintains consistency with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (70): The tone is neutral, presenting facts about her performance and background without overtly favoring any particular narrative.

Gorenjski glas logoGorenjski glasIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 708/30/2026
The great return of the Crab Candle

Športna plezalka Lučka Rakovec je osvojila bronasto kolajno na evropskem prvenstvu v težavnosti v Lavalu, Francija. To je njen drugi medalni rezultat na članskih prvenstvih stare celine, po prvem leta 2019. Rakovec je bil prisiljen zapustiti tekmovalno področje zaradi diagnoze raka ščitnice leta 2023, vendar se je uspešno vrnil na tekmovanja in ponovno pokazal svojo visoko raven. Tudi Mia Krampl je udeleževala finale, kjer je osvojila peto mesto. Luka Potočar, najboljši Slovenec, ni uspel napredovati v polfinale, medtem ko je Samo Golob zavrgel kvalifikacije. Tekme bodo nadaljnje v Kopru, kjer bo nastopila tudi Janja Garnbret.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on sports achievements and does not involve any political issues, figures, or policies. It provides factual information about athletes' performances and their personal challenges without any biased framing or political commentary.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes Lučka Rakovec’s bronze medal win, her return from illness, and her performance details. It aligns with other sources and includes relevant historical context about her career.

Why objectivity (70): The tone is somewhat sentimental, particularly when discussing her battle with cancer, which adds an emotional dimension to the reporting.

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 708/30/2026
A crab bronzer in France (VIDEO)

Slovenian climber Lučka Rakovec secured third place at the European Championships in climbing in Laval, France. This marks her second medal at continental championships, following her European title win in Edinburgh in 2019. Rakovec had previously missed two seasons due to thyroid cancer but made a successful return to competition in 2023 after surgery. She performed strongly in both the qualification rounds and semifinals before securing bronze in the final with a height of 51+. Fellow Slovenian Mia Krampl finished fifth, while other climbers like Janja Garnbret and Heloise Doumont also competed. The event highlighted Rakovec’s resilience and strong comeback after her health challenges.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on sports achievements and does not involve political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides factual information about a climbing competition and athlete performance without any ideological framing or bias.

Why factuality (85): This article provides a comprehensive account of Lučka Rakovec’s performance, including her bronze medal win, her history, and specific scores. It aligns well with other sources and offers additional context about her personal journey.

Why objectivity (70): While factual, the article has a slightly more celebratory tone regarding her achievements, especially highlighting her comeback after illness.

Gorenjski glas logoGorenjski glasIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 759/2/2026
Lučka Rakovec won the bronze

Lučka Rakovec, športna plezalka iz Kranjske, je osvojila bronasto kolajno na evropskem prvenstvu v težavnosti v Lavalu, Francija, 30. avgusta 2026. To je njen drugi uspeh na članskih prvenstvih stare celine, po tem ko je leta 2019 osvojila naslov evropske prvakinje. Rakovec je po dvema letoma bolezni, vključno z rakom ščitnice, vrnena na tekmovanja in se v Lavalu prvič po bolezni zavihtela na stopničke na mednarodnih tekmovanjih. Njena doseganja so jo postavljala v vrh svetovnega vrha. V poročilu so omenjene tudi druge slovenske tekmovalke, kot sta Mia Krampl in Luka Potočar, ki sta se uvrstile v različne dele tekmovanja. Tekma svetovnega pokala v Kopru bo potekala 4. in 5. septembra.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event involving a Slovenian climber, Lučka Rakovec, and does not present any politically charged content or biased framing. The focus is purely on athletic achievement and personal recovery from illness, which falls under apolitical news. Therefore, the political lean

Why factuality (80): The article contains mostly accurate information about Rakovec's bronze medal win and her cancer recovery. However, it includes some less precise details such as mentioning 'bron, ki sveti kot zlato' which is more metaphorical than factual. It also mentions Janja Garnbret's comments, which are repor

Why objectivity (75): The tone is somewhat celebratory and emotionally charged, especially in describing her victory and the reactions of others. While informative, it leans more towards a congratulatory and inspirational tone rather than strictly neutral reporting.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 80Objective 708/30/2026
Lučka Rakovec bronze medalist at the European Championships in Laval

At the European Championships in climbing held in Laval, France, Slovenia's Lučka Rakovec won a bronze medal in the women's category after starting from fourth place. Her performance improved significantly in the final, surpassing her initial score. She had previously won the European title in 2019 at age 18. Rakovec, who returned to competition after battling thyroid cancer, made history by reaching the podium again after her illness. Fellow Slovenian climber Mia Krampl finished fifth. Other Slovenians like Lucija Tarkuš and Rosa Rekar faced disappointments due to time violations and lower placements respectively. In men's competition, no Slovenian climbers advanced to the finals.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without any political implications. The framing is purely descriptive, focusing on athletic achievements and personal stories without ideological bias.

Why factuality (80): The article confirms Lučka Rakovec’s bronze medal win and her return from illness, matching other sources. It includes specific scores and positions, supporting the overall factual consensus. Minor discrepancies exist in phrasing but not in core facts.

Why objectivity (70): The tone is generally neutral, though there is a slight emphasis on the significance of her return from illness, which adds an emotional layer.

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 658/30/2026
From Thyroid to Colon Cancer: French Climber Lucca Rakovec on the Stairs

Slovenska športna plezalka Lučka Rakovec je osvojila bronasto kolajno na evropskem prvenstvu v težavnosti v Lavalu, kar je drugo odličje na članskih prvenstvih stare celine. Rakovec, ki je zaradi raka na ščitnici izgubila dve sezoni, se je v Lavalu prvič po bolezni zavihtela na stopničke na velikih članskih mednarodnih tekmovanjih. Njeno dosežko sta izboljšala belgijska plezalka Heloise Doumont in britanska zmagovalka Erin McNiece. Mia Krampl je osvojila peto mesto, medtem ko so nekatere druge plezalke, kot so Lucija Tarkuš in Rosa Rekar, dosegli manjše rezultate. V moški konkurenci ni bilo slovenske udeležbe.

Bias read (Center): Artikel opisuje sportsko dostojanstvo plezalkice Lučke Rakovec na meštarstvu v težavnosti, brez političnega občutka ali polemičnega stavka. Stavitev je neutralna in informativna, brez stranskega poudarka ali izbičkanja. Vse podrobnosti so predstavljene objektivno, brez posrednega vpliva na politično

Why factuality (80): The article covers Lučka Rakovec’s bronze medal win and her personal story, including her health struggles. While mostly factual, it includes direct quotes that add a personal touch, which may affect neutrality.

Why objectivity (65): The tone is more expressive, with quotes that reflect Rakovec’s emotions and personal reflections, adding a subjective element to the report.

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 709/2/2026
From Fighting Cancer to Winning a Bronze Medal at the European Championships

Lučka Rakovec, 25-letna slovenska plezalka, je po boju z rako povrnila svojo kariero in osvojila bronasto medaljo na Evropskem prvenstvu v plezanju. Po njenih besedah je bilo ključno, da ni izgubila upanja in je imela močno podporo, predvsem od svojega partnerja, tudi plezalca Luka Potočara. Janja Garnbret, ena najbolj uspešnih slovenskih plezalk v zgodovini, je ocenila Rakovecovo zmago kot zanimivo in poudarila, da njena prisotnost v športu dodaja motivacijo drugim. Rakovec je poudarila, da je obupati v življenju in športu nemogoče.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports achievement by a Slovenian athlete and does not involve any political figures, policies, or contentious issues. The content is purely celebratory of her personal success and includes quotes from her and her partner, with no political framing or bias detectable.

Why factuality (75): The article covers Lučka Rakovec’s return to climbing after cancer treatment and her bronze medal at the European Championships. It also mentions her relationship with partner Luka Potočar and her admiration for Janja Garnbret. While these points are plausible, the lack of direct sourcing makes it d

Why objectivity (70): The article presents Rakovec’s story with a positive and supportive tone, emphasizing her resilience and success. There is a slight focus on her personal relationships and admiration for Garnbret, which may subtly frame the narrative in a more favorable light toward Rakovec rather than presenting bo

Siol.net logoSiol.netState / PublicCenterFactual 65Objective 708/30/2026
Lučka Rakovec in the final EP with the fourth result, the end of the championship for Luka Potočarja

Slovenska plezalka Lučka Rakovec je v polfinalu Evropskega prvenstva v težavnosti v Lavalu zasedla četrto mesto, medtem ko je Mia Krampl zauzimala osmino. Luka Potočar, najboljši Slovenec, je zavrzel v polfinalu in ostal brez moškega finala. Drugi Slovenec Samo Golob je zaključil tekmovalnost v kvalifikacijah. V polfinalu je špančan Alberto Gines Lopez preskočil čecha Adama Ondro, kar je povzročilo obrat na vrhu. Finala z dvema Slovenkama se bo začela ob 15. uri.

Bias read (Center): The article covers sports competition results and does not present any politically charged content or biased framing. It reports on athletic performance, rankings, and event outcomes without ideological slant.

Why factuality (65): The article reports on Lučka Rakovec finishing fourth in the semifinal and securing bronze in the final, but does not mention her winning bronze explicitly. It also mentions Luka Potočar not making the final, which aligns with other sources. However, it lacks specific details like exact scores and s

Why objectivity (70): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the competition results without overt bias. The article presents both athletes' performances without strong emotional language, maintaining a balanced perspective.

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