For many sports, being part of the Olympic family is a matter of great significance. Previously, the news that wrestling was dropped from the Olympics caused quite a stir. This May, another battle for Olympic inclusion will take place, when the International Olympic Committee will decide among eight candidate sports. In September, a final vote will be held to select one of the shortlisted sports as the new addition to the 2020 Olympics...
On March 9 of this year, the 8th General Assembly of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) was held in Shanghai, and its agenda included this intense battle for Olympic inclusion. As a candidate sport, sport climbing is eager to win an Olympic ticket with its unique appeal. Notably, at this assembly, Li Zhixin, President of the Chinese Mountaineering Association, was elected Vice President of the IFSC, making him the only Asian president in the federation’s history.
“We are at a crucial moment in the development of this sport. Sport climbing has been listed as one of the eight candidate sports for the 2020 Summer Olympics, and everyone is working hard for it,” said Marco Scolaris, President of the IFSC. He explained that in July last year, the IOC Executive Board officially confirmed sport climbing as one of the eight candidate sports for the 2020 Olympics during a meeting in Durban, South Africa. It will compete for a single Olympic spot alongside other sports such as martial arts, baseball/softball, karate, roller sports, and squash. According to Scolaris, sport climbing is developing rapidly and has unique advantages compared to other candidates.
“Sport climbing can vividly embody the Olympic spirit of ‘higher, faster, stronger.’ Like running and swimming, climbing is one of humanity’s most fundamental athletic abilities. Moreover, there is currently no climbing event in the Olympics, nor any competition on vertical surfaces. Sport climbing would make the Olympics more complete, and as a brand-new event, it aligns with the tradition of the Games embracing new elements,” Scolaris said frankly. He believes that Olympic inclusion is an opportunity for the promotion and development of sport climbing. Reflecting on the history of the sport, he expressed deep satisfaction: “In fact, our federation has only been around for seven years and was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 2009. Now, we are already discussing whether it will be included in the Olympics. Being shortlisted as a candidate sport in such a short time is nothing short of a miracle.”
Li Zhixin, the newly elected Vice President of the IFSC, also discussed the disadvantages of sport climbing’s Olympic bid in an interview with the Morning Post. He believes the sport is still too young: “The federation hasn’t been around for long, and its global promotion and development have had limited time. Many people still don’t know much about sport climbing, which could be obstacles to its Olympic inclusion. However, this sport is suitable for all age groups, especially appealing to young people, and can fully exist as a lifestyle. Even if it doesn’t make it into the 2020 Olympics, there’s still a good chance for 2024 and 2028.”
For any sport bidding for Olympic inclusion, we naturally link it to China’s own performance. If sport climbing does become an Olympic event, can the Chinese delegation meet the expectations of the public? On this, Li Zhixin is full of confidence: “Currently, China’s sport climbing is mainly focused on popularization and promotion. But if our athletes are needed to shine on the Olympic stage, we won’t let anyone down.” He also noted that China’s sport climbing is developing well: “There are tens of thousands of climbers in China, and thousands of climbing clubs nationwide, mainly concentrated in Beijing, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta regions. Aside from Europe, where climbing originated, Asia is also a major hub for the sport. Japan, South Korea, and China all have considerable strength, especially in speed climbing. China has its own advantages, having won four world championship titles and holding the world record in this event.”