Oriane Bertone, the world climbing runner-up, experienced a 2024 marked by pressure and disappointment. At the Paris Olympic Games, the young French athlete finished eighth in the combined final—a result that fell short of her expectations after years of hard training. Since then, Bertone has faced months of reflection, physical and emotional exhaustion, and a process of reconnecting with her passion for climbing.
During the recent Climbing Salon in Paris, the 19-year-old athlete shared her experience, admitting that she is still dealing with the impact of those Games. After stepping back from intense training and competitions, Bertone is rediscovering the sport from a healthier perspective. Now, she looks to 2025 with the hope of listening more to her body and mind, prioritizing personal balance over the obsessive pursuit of achievements.
EXHAUSTION AFTER GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT
“The two months following the Olympic Games were exhausting,” Bertone confessed. The accumulated pressure and dissatisfaction with her performance led to a temporary distancing from the sport. For weeks, she avoided regular training, focusing on her well-being and seeking to rekindle her love for climbing. This period was an emotional rollercoaster, where the world runner-up had to face not only unmet expectations but also the challenge of redefining her relationship with climbing.
Despite the struggles, Bertone found solace in outdoor climbing. “Getting back to the basics helped me a lot. Climbing in nature reconnected me with the sport I had lost touch with while focusing solely on the Games,” she explained. This more relaxed approach is helping her rebuild her confidence and regain the motivation needed to compete at the highest level.
NEW GOALS IN CLIMBING
Looking ahead to 2025, Bertone is adopting a slower-paced strategy. While she does not plan to participate in the early World Cups of the year, she believes that domestic competitions, such as the French trials, could serve as a stepping stone for gradual reintegration. She is also considering the Military World Championships in March and has not ruled out the World Championships in South Korea in September, provided her physical and mental condition allows it.
Beyond results, the young climber is focused on enjoying the sport again. “I want to listen to myself more, let go of external expectations, and focus on what truly motivates me,” she declared. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Bertone does not rule out returning to the elite level, but she knows the path begins with small personal victories. For now, her priority is to find a healthier relationship with climbing, one that allows her to reach her full potential without neglecting her well-being.