An exciting new format for climbing is being proposed for the Olympics, which will combine speed climbing, lead climbing and bouldering.

Update: Climbing's Olympic dream is on hold. Unfortunately Sport climbing has failed to reach the final shortlist of sports being considered for the 2020 Olympics. 

The announcement was made last week (9 March) by International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) President Marco Scolaris, at the IFSC Plenary Assembly in Shanghai.

This decision comes on the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Technical Commission following a visit by IOC representatives to the 2012 Climbing World Championships in Paris where lead, speed and bouldering competitions took place spectacularly alongside one another. Previously, the IFSC had proposed lead climbing as a single discipline for the Olympic bid.

This multi-discipline format will be championed when the IFSC gives its presentation to the IOC Executive Board at the end of May, along with the seven other sports bidding for Olympic status for 2020.  Following the presentations, the shortlist is expected to be narrowed down to three sports. The final vote by the IOC will take place in September.

Dave Turnbull, BMC CEO said:

“It’s exciting to hear that a combined event of all three climbing disciplines is being put forward for consideration for the 2020 Olympics. This will make it even more impressive to watch.

“Climbing embodies the Olympic motto perfectly and even more so with this combination: Faster – speed climbing; Higher – lead climbing; Stronger – bouldering.

“The next couple of months are crucial for climbing’s bid. We’re a step closer to knowing what climbing would look like at the Olympics and we’re hoping it’ll become a reality. The switch to a multi-discipline event may be just what’s needed to secure a place for climbing on the shortlist in May. Fingers crossed!”

The ‘triathlon’ of climbing would be likely to take place over six days, with two days devoted to each discipline. Competitors would take part in all three climbing events with medals awarded for combined overall performance.

Climbing reflects the Olympic motto ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ in the following way:

• Speed climbing has the excitement of watching climbers race up identical routes to see who gets to the top in the fastest time.
• Lead climbing (with ropes) tests the endurance of climbers as they compete to see who can get highest.
• Bouldering (without ropes) is the ultimate climbing test of strength and power.

You can show your support for the bid on the IFSC’s 2020 Olympics Facebook page www.facebook.com/SportClimbing2020

Read more about Climbing and the Olympics.

Twitter: when tweeting about climbing's Olympic bid please use hash tag #climbing2020

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