Xinhua News Agency, Nanjing, August 21 (Sports News) — According to officials from the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) on the 21st, more than 25 million people around the world regularly participate in climbing activities, with 1,831 having taken part in IFSC-sanctioned competitions last year.
Although climbing was not selected as an event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games included it as a demonstration sport because the activity appeals to young people, and the IFSC hopes to use the opportunity to further promote these sports. On the 21st, IFSC Sports Director Mayer visited the Youth Olympic Games Sports Lab to personally gauge how enthusiastic young athletes are about the sport.
IFSC President Marco and Ding Xianghua, head of the Rock and Ice Department of the Chinese Mountaineering Association
According to Posternik, who works at the Youth Olympic Games Experience Lab, climbing originated from mountaineering. Many people aiming to conquer mountain peaks first undergo climbing training, which gradually evolved into the sport of climbing. Posternik, 32, is a professional climber and also skilled in route setting. His work at the lab includes giving daily climbing demonstrations for young participants and providing them with technical guidance.
Posternik noted that climbers with a balanced and lean physique are best suited for the sport. Some athletes are very strong but lack flexibility or may be overweight; others have great overall strength but insufficient finger power, making it difficult for them to reach the top. Climbing originated in Europe, so the continent has long been the traditional hub for the sport. However, in recent years, climbing has seen rapid development in North America and Asia, breaking Europe’s previous dominance and even showing signs of surpassing it.