Climbing-‘Real debut’ of crowd-pleasing sport could lead to even better days ahead

PARIS : Climbing may have left viewers and even some athletes scratching their heads on its Olympic debut in Tokyo but there was no doubt in Paris that the sport is here to stay as one of the hottest tickets in town and with an expanded fanbase across the globe.
In contrast to a spectator-less Games three years ago, a 7,000-strong crowd in climbing-mad France packed Le Bourget every day to support all 68 athletes regardless of their flags.
Unlike in Tokyo where the men and women had to fight for one gold each, climbers could shine in their specialised disciplines this time, with speed separated from bouldering and lead.
The doubling of golds ushered in a historic, first-ever Olympic title for Indonesia outside badminton and two medals for Poland – a vindication for the speed-climbing powerhouses.
In boulder and lead, Slovenia’s Janja Garnbret sprinkled star-power appeal to the sport by claiming back-to-back gold.
“This feels like the real debut of climbing for sure,” free solo rock climbing great Alex Honnold told Reuters. “It feels like there’s a lot more energy around the sport this year.”
Tokyo’s combining of the three disciplines into one event had forced climbers to train in disciplines they do not normally compete in and resulted in some surprises on the podium.
In the City of Light, the sport also showcased the arguably unrivalled camaraderie among its athletes, with scenes of competitors discussing routes and exchanging tips ahead of their climbs. Mutual admiration was on constant display and to the viewer the competitive climbing community had a familial air.
Even better days ahead could be on the cards.
The climbing federation is eyeing a further separation of the boulder and lead events in Los Angeles 2028 and beyond. That decision is due next year.
Honnold said he perceived the momentum heading in that direction as he watched the competition unfold in Paris alongside organisers.
“The best thing about the Olympics is to see humans perform at their absolute best, to see people do what they’re absolutely best at,” he said.
“So (separating the events) gives people a greater opportunity to demonstrate their excellence, which is really what you want to see in the Olympics.”