The World Climbing Para Series made its stop in Laval, France this weekend, and Team USA arrived ready to compete. Across two days of lead climbing, American athletes collected medals in seven categories, with standout performances from all. From defending champions holding their titles to first-time podium finishers stepping into the spotlight, it was a weekend that showcased the range and strength of the American para climbing roster.

Team USA Sweeps the Women’s RP1 Podium

Melissa Ruiz led from the front all weekend, topping qualifications and carrying that momentum into the final to claim gold. Ruiz took gold at this same event last year, and she showed no signs of letting it go. Hannah Zook and Jackie Stewart followed her up the rankings to complete a full Team USA sweep of the podium, a fantastic performance across the board.

Ruiz spoke to USAC on Monday and said: “I loved getting to come back to Laval! The routes were beautiful (no surprises there), and the atmosphere is amazing. I love that we can bring such happiness and excitement to the crowd who comes out to watch.”

W-RP1 Podium:
Gold: Melissa Ruiz (USA)
Silver: Hannah Zook (USA)
Bronze: Jackie Stewart (USA)

Megan Gleason Earns Bronze in Women’s RP2

A strong and consistent performance across both rounds secured Megan Gleason’s place among the top three in a tight field.

When she spoke with USAC on Monday, she said: “I’m so excited to come home with bronze. I knew it would be a close battle between the RP2 women and it was! Gave it all I had, especially on the overhang. The crowd was amazing, I’m going to remember this comp for a long time.”

W-RP2 Podium:
Gold: Jasmin Plank (AUT)
Silver: Chiara Cavina (ITA)
Bronze: Megan Gleason (USA)

Butler and Mayforth Go 1-2 for Team USA in Men’s RP2

Brayden Butler led qualifications from the top spot and didn’t let up in the final, taking home the gold medal. Benjamin Mayforth was right behind him, qualifying second and finishing silver to give Team USA a commanding 1-2 finish in the Men’s RP2 category.

M-RP2 Podium:
Gold: Brayden Butler (USA)
Silver: Benjamin Mayforth (USA)
Bronze: Daniel Wiener (AUT)

Micailee Soria Claims Silver in Women’s AL2

Soria tied for first in qualifications alongside France’s Lucie Jarrige, both posting a score of 1.41, and brought that form into the final to earn silver. Soria’s strong performance across both rounds placed her firmly on the podium. Fellow Team USA athlete Daliya Hansen also made the final, finishing fourth.

W-AL2 Podium:
Gold: Lucie Jarrige (FRA)
Silver: Micailee Soria (USA)
Bronze: Joanna Newton (GBR)

Lee Shaffer Claims Bronze in Men’s AL2

Shaffer came into the final with momentum, having tied for first in qualifications with Belgium’s Frederik Leys with a score of 2.24. He held his ground through the final to earn bronze, finishing behind Spain’s Rubén Roldán Bustos in a strong individual performance for Team USA.

M-AL2 Podium:
Gold: Rubén Roldán Bustos (ESP)
Silver: Sebastian Menze (NOR)
Bronze: Lee Shaffer (USA)

Wanying Morningstar Tops the Field in Women’s AU3

Morningstar was the athlete to beat all weekend in Women’s AU3, having also podiumed in the Para Series event in Salt Lake City earlier this year. She led the field during qualifications and backed it up in the final, well clear of the field to win a confident gold for Team USA.

W-AU3 Podium:
Gold: Wanying Morningstar (USA)
Silver: Rosalie Schaupert (GER)
Bronze: Oriane Ilpide (FRA)

Maureen Beck Lands on the Podium in Women’s AU2

Beck showed a strong performance in qualifications coming in second and worked her way to a bronze medal in the final, holding her place on the podium behind Italy’s Lucia Capovilla and France’s Siloë Tetaz. Eleanor Rubin also represented Team USA in the final, finishing fifth.

W-AU2 Podium:
Gold: Lucia Capovilla (ITA)
Silver: Siloë Tetaz (FRA)
Bronze: Maureen Beck (USA)

Full results from the World Climbing Para Series Laval 2026 can be found here. You can rewatch the Final round on World Climbing’s YouTube channel.

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