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Climbing Olympics 2024 Athletes

As the excitement around the 2024 Paris Olympics builds, one sport that has captured the attention of many is climbing. Making its Olympic debut at the 2021 Tokyo Games, sport climbing combines the physical demands of the sport with a unique scoring system and skill set that could sway the competition dramatically. With climbing anticipated to remain a pivotal event in future Olympic competitions, especially moving into the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, its popularity continues to soar. This article delves into the specifics of climbing olympics 2024 athletes, featuring standout Team USA athletes and notable international competitors to watch.

Understanding Olympic Climbing Events

Olympic climbing comprises three distinct disciplines: bouldering, lead, and speed, each with its own unique set of rules and challenges.

1. Bouldering

In bouldering, athletes climb a 4.5-meter wall (nearly 15 feet) without the use of ropes. The climbers have a limited time to complete the ascent, and they aim to do so in the fewest attempts possible. The scoring in this discipline is highly strategic, rewarding climbers for reaching specific zones on the wall and differentiating their performance based on attempts.

2. Lead Climbing

The lead discipline sees competitors aiming to reach the highest point on a 15-meter wall (nearly 50 feet) within six minutes. In a single ascent, climbers must showcase their endurance and technique to secure points for each hold they reach.

3. Speed Climbing

This discipline features athletes racing against each other and the clock on a 15-meter wall inclined at five degrees. Speed climbing is distinct from bouldering and lead, as it has been separated into its own event for the Paris Olympics. The fastest climbers can scale the wall in under six seconds for men and typically just above seven seconds for women.

climbing olympics 2024 athletes

Top Team USA Athletes To Watch at Olympics 2024

As the climbing community gears up for the Paris Olympics, several athletes from Team USA stand out as potential medal contenders.

🔴 Sam Watson: The 18-year-old phenom currently holds the men’s speed world record with an impressive time of 4.79 seconds. Watson’s training and commitment led him to finish the 2023 season ranked eighth in the world for men’s speed climbing. Adding to his accolades, he secured gold at the Pan American Games held in Santiago last year. Watson’s combination of youth and record-setting speed positions him as an athlete to watch in Paris.

🔴 Natalia Grossman: Known for her versatility, Grossman finished last year ranked No. 1 in women’s bouldering and fifth in the combined boulder and lead categories. A standout performance at the Pan American Games solidified her status, where she took gold in both bouldering and lead disciplines. Her experience and current form mean she is likely a serious contender for medals in Paris.

🔴 Brooke Raboutou: The daughter of former climbing world cup champions Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou and Didier Raboutou, Brooke Raboutou carries a family legacy into the sport. Finishing fifth in the Tokyo Olympics, Raboutou has been a valuable asset to Team USA and is fluent in French, which could enhance her experience at the Paris Games.

Read More: 5 Best Rivalries You Can’t Miss at the Paris 2024 Olympics

International Stars Competing in Climbing

While Team USA boasts impressive talent, they will face formidable competition from international athletes whose skill sets and achievements keep them at the forefront of Olympic climbing.

  • Janja Garnbret (Slovenia)
  • Aleksandra Miroslav (Poland)
  • Ai Mori (Japan)
  • Rahmad Adi Mulyon and Veddriq Leonardo (Indonesia
  • Jakob Schubert (Australia)

Conclusion:

With climbing garnering a larger audience and increasing interest as it becomes embedded in Olympic tradition, the 2024 Paris Olympics provides an exciting opportunity to witness a new generation of climbers compete at the highest level. As we look forward to the event, it is clear that Team USA has a formidable roster prepared to take on the global competition. The international athletes also promise an exciting showdown as they vie for medals, setting the stage for tightly contested climbs and stunning displays of athletic prowess. With rule changes, innovative scoring systems, and the passion of the competitors at the forefront, the climbing events in Paris promise to be a highlight of the games. Fans should prepare for an engaging spectacle filled with thrilling ascents and determined athletes ready to showcase their skills on the world stage. As we count down to the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics, the anticipation for climbing events is palpable, with its evolving narrative sure to capture the hearts of sports enthusiasts around the globe.

Abeer Jawad

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