Schubert thinks about the 2028 Olympics

If the IAAF and IOC agree that the sport deserves three medal decisions, two-time Olympic bronze medalist Jakob Schubert could still make it to Los Angeles 2028 to achieve his dream of gold.

Who is stronger in the lead?

At 33, Schubert was the oldest climber in the five-ring field, but he remains one of the strongest main climbers. Only Czech Adam Ondra has ever reached the heights he did on the Olympic climbing wall in Le Bourget. “Today I showed once again that I am still one of the best in the top five. As long as that doesn’t change, I won’t stop,” said the six-time world champion from Tyrol. For Schubert, that was enough to secure a medal after a stunning first performance, with the 31-year-old Ondra finishing sixth.

“If I could choose, Adam would also be on the podium, and older athletes don’t have many chances anymore. We’re unlucky that climbing hasn’t been part of the Olympics for a long time. Sorato and Toby would still have many chances. Adam would also have an Olympic medal in his career,” Schubert said.

Very few points for rock climbing.

Schubert left a lot of points behind him in the rock round. “I was very frustrated after that because I felt like I didn't hit the rocks that badly. Except for the third rock, I had a great feeling and was close. There were little nuances missing that gave me more points. I was way behind Toby and Sorato, and it wasn't supposed to be that way.”

Because the first lap was so easy that the competitors didn’t lose much there, Schubert said: “If the bouldering round goes well and you misjudge the main route and it’s too easy, the boulders alone will decide the outcome.” If the group continues, the way points are awarded may have to be adjusted to make it more balanced. After the medal celebrations, Schubert will first take a break from Olympic climbing, and will climb boulders in Mallorca and France in the fall.