The Olympic Climbing Format

There are 3 disciplines which make up the 2024 Paris Olympics in climbing: bouldering, sport climbing and speed climbing. Bouldering & sport climbing combine to make 1 event (with medals available for male & female competitors), while speed climbing is a standalone competition (again medals on the line for male and female competitors).

In the combined event, rankings will be determined by adding together the points won in each of the specialties (bouldering and sport climbing). The goal of sport climbing is to reach the highest point an athlete possibly can on the climbing wall. A top means maximum points. In bouldering the aim is to top as many blocs as possible in as few attempts as possible. Every time a zone (effectively a bonus hold on the boulder after a particularly hard move) is validated points will be awarded to the climber, while unsuccessful attempts will lead to a point deduction.

In speed climbing, athletes will attempt to reach the top of a 15-metre wall as quickly as possible. The format will include a qualification round and races between two opponents. Victorious athletes will progress through a bracket to the finals, which will decide the first male and female Olympic speed climbing champions.