When Did Climbing Become an Olympic Sport?
Sport Climbing Combined Olympics 2024 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games in 2021. However, the sport first caught the Olympic committee’s attention at the Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games in 2018. The addition of climbing along with skateboarding and surfing, was part of an initiative to increase the Olympic with more urban sports by aiming to attract a younger audience. Sport climbing will continue to be part of the program for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
Understanding How Olympic Climbing Works
Olympic sport climbing is divided into three parts which are discussed below
- Bouldering: The members have to stretch on a Vertical rock face of a five-metre height, nearly 15feet, without ropes and within a certain period of time with a goal of trying to get to the summit in the least number of tries.
- Lead: The participants climb as far as they can within six minutes on a 15-meter high wall (nearly 50 feet), with only one try.
- Speed: Two rivals slide against each other at a top speed along a 15-meter high wall which is equipped with a five-degree slope. The ability of the fastest athletes is to perform the climb within not more than six seconds for men and usually within seven seconds for women.
The method of scoring during the climbing events during the Olympics to be held in the year 2024 will be different from that used in Tokyo. Finally, in the year 2021, each of the subjects was awarded scores, and the products of these scores were obtained to arrive at the final figure. Since speed climbing became a separate event, the new scoring for bouldering and lead is up to 200 points.
In bouldering the climbers gain points depending on the “zone” achieved on the wall get 5 points for the low zone and 10 points for the high zone, 25 points for the top hold. Attempts are scored lower, and the maximum score for the bouldering round is 100 points, where the athlete solves four bouldering tasks on the first attempt.
In the lead, climbers score by successfully holding onto the top 40 holds. The points increase as they progress higher up the wall. If a climber attempts but fails to secure a hold, they receive an additional 0.1 points on top of their current score.
Sport Climbing Combined Olympics 2024
The bouldering and lead disciplines each feature 20 male and 20 female competitors. In the speed discipline, there are 14 male and 14 female climbers. All competitors in the speed discipline participate in two-speed runs on two different walls. They are then ranked from 1 to 14 based on their fastest time, which determines the matchups for the elimination rounds.
Climbing Olympics 2024 athletes- Team USA Stars
Team USA has some outstanding climbers who are expected to make an important impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Famous athletes include:
– Nathaniel Coleman: A silver medalist in the combined event at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Coleman is a tough competitor in both bouldering and lead.
– Brooke Raboutou: Known for her impressive performances in international competitions, Raboutou was one of the first American climbers to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
– Kyra Condie: Another strong contender, Condie has shown exceptional skill in bouldering and leading, making her a key athlete to watch.
Climbing Olympics 2024
Sport climbing’s inclusion in the Olympics is part of a broader effort to make the Games more appealing to younger audiences. The sport has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among youth, due to its dynamic and visually engaging nature. Climbing gyms and facilities have proliferated worldwide, providing greater access and opportunities for people to engage with the sport.
For those new to sport climbing, here are some key terms to understand:
– Flash: Completing a climb on the first attempt without prior practice or observation.
– Crux: The most difficult part in a climb.
– Dyno: A dynamic move where the climber jumps or leaps to reach the next hold.
– Beta: Information or tips about how to complete a climb.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the expectation for sport climbing is building. With its blend of physical strength, mental strategy, and agility, climbing promises to deliver thrilling and memorable moments. Keep an eye on the athletes and the evolving competition formats as this exciting sport continues to grow within the Olympic movement.
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