Introduction
The Olympics have always been a stage for both traditional and new sports. Among the most thrilling recent additions is Sport Climbing Combined Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020. For the Games, a special format called the combined event was introduced, bringing together three different climbing disciplines into one medal competition.
This article explains the rules of the combined format, key differences between Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and who emerged as the sport’s first Olympic stars.
What Is Sport Climbing Combined?
The combined event tests climbers across three distinct climbing styles:
- Speed Climbing – Two athletes race side by side on a 15-meter wall. Fastest climber wins.
- Bouldering – Athletes attempt to solve short but complex climbing problems on low walls without ropes. Scoring depends on tops, zones, and attempts.
- Lead Climbing – Climbers ascend as high as possible on a tall wall within a time limit, secured by ropes.
The combined score reflects a climber’s overall performance across all these disciplines, ensuring the most versatile athlete wins.
Tokyo 2020 Format
At Tokyo 2020, the combined event was the only sport climbing discipline included. Both men and women competed in all three styles, and their final ranking was determined by multiplying their positions in each discipline.
- Example: A climber finishing 1st in speed, 3rd in bouldering, and 5th in lead would score 1 × 3 × 5 = 15 points. The lowest score won.
Tokyo 2020 Medalists
- Men’s Combined 🥇 Alberto Ginés López (Spain)
- Women’s Combined 🥇 Janja Garnbret (Slovenia)
Both became historic first Olympic champions in climbing.
Paris 2024 Changes
- Speed Climbing became a separate medal event.
- The Combined Event now included only Bouldering + Lead.
This gave specialist athletes more opportunities and ensured fairer competition.
Paris 2024 Combined Highlights
- Men’s Combined Winner 🥇 Adam Ondra (Czech Republic) — legendary climber finally claiming Olympic gold.
- Women’s Combined Winner 🥇 Janja Garnbret (Slovenia) — defended her Tokyo title with dominant performance.
These victories cemented sport climbing as one of the most exciting Olympic sports.
How Athletes Qualify
Climbers earn Olympic spots through:
- World Championships
- Continental Qualifiers
- IFSC World Cup Rankings
Only the top athletes from each region get the chance to represent their countries, making Olympic climbing highly competitive.
Why Sport Climbing Is Unique at the Olympics
- Combines speed, power, problem-solving, and endurance in one event.
- Features spectacular, fan-friendly wall designs.
- Attracts a younger audience, similar to skateboarding and surfing.
- Every attempt feels like a “do-or-die” moment, creating drama.at Sport Climbing Combined Olympic
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028
For Los Angeles 2028, sport climbing is confirmed with even more visibility:
- Speed Climbing will remain a separate medal event.
- Bouldering and Lead Combined will continue as another event.
- More athletes and more countries will compete, reflecting the sport’s rapid global growth.
Famous Olympic Climbers
- Janja Garnbret (Slovenia) – The face of Olympic climbing, multiple World Champion.
- Alberto Ginés López (Spain) – Young star who surprised the world in Tokyo.
- Adam Ondra (Czech Republic) – Considered the best all-around climber ever.
- Akiyo Noguchi (Japan) – A legend who retired after Tokyo 2020 with Olympic glory.
Fun Facts
- The speed wall is standardized worldwide — identical holds, same route every time.
- Olympic climbing walls are often custom-designed for the Games, creating new challenges.
- Sport climbing joined the Olympics alongside skateboarding, surfing, and karate in 2020.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Olympic sport climbing combined event?
👉 A competition that tests athletes in multiple climbing disciplines (Tokyo: speed, bouldering, lead; Paris onwards: bouldering + lead).
Q2: Who won the first Olympic gold in sport climbing?
👉 Alberto Ginés López (men’s) and Janja Garnbret (women’s) at Tokyo 2020.
Q3: How does scoring work?
👉 Tokyo used multiplication of rankings; Paris uses combined bouldering + lead scoring system.
Q4: Will climbing remain in future Olympics?
👉 Yes, it’s confirmed for Los Angeles 2028 with expanded events.
Conclusion
The Sport Climbing Combined Olympic at the Olympics is a showcase of strength, agility, and mental focus. From the groundbreaking Tokyo 2020 debut to the updated Paris 2024 format, the discipline continues to grow in popularity and prestige. With legends like Janja Garnbret and Adam Ondra inspiring a new generation, the road to Los Angeles 2028 promises even more breathtaking Olympic climbing moments.
