Originating in the 1980s, Sport Climbing's journey began with the first indoor competition in Vaulx-en-Velin near Lyon, France, in 1986. Today, it stands as a global phenomenon, boasting more than 25 million enthusiasts across 150 nations. 

Returning to its roots, Sport Climbing at Paris 2024 will showcase an unprecedented level of global representation and diversity. There will be 68 athletes and 22 countries represented - an increase on the 40 who participated in Tokyo with five new nations earning quota places. 

With a quarter of the athletes returning from Tokyo 2020, the Games will feature a diverse mix of seasoned Olympians and emerging talents, all poised to leave their mark on Paris.

Tokyo 2020 featured a combined event with three disciplines: Speed, Bouldering, and Lead Climbing. Athletes were challenged to excel across all domains, with final rankings and medals determined by their combined performances. 

Paris 2024 brings a refined format, designed to showcase the distinct challenges of each discipline. The competition now comprises two separate events:

Speed Climbing, where athletes ascend a 15-metre wall along a fixed route, emphasising explosive power and precision.

Bouldering and Lead Combined. This event assesses technique and endurance. In bouldering, climbers tackle problems on a four to five-metre wall within a specified time frame, while in lead climbing, competitors strive to reach the highest point on a wall within six minutes. Scores from both disciplines are amalgamated to determine the final standings.

Australian sport climbers Oceania Mackenzie and Campbell Harrison will compete at their respective first and second Games in Paris in the Boulder and Lead events.

Oceania, 21, returns after her maiden Games at Tokyo, having recently achieved Australia's best-ever result at a World Championships in 2023. Campbell, 27, fulfils a decade-long dream, propelled by his qualification through the 2023 Oceania Championships.

Reflecting on the journey, Oceania hopes to leverage her Olympic experience by inspiring others to explore climbing. 

"One of my favourite things about climbing is the supportive and social community," she says.

“Seeing climbing in the Games might spark more interest in the sport."

Campbell echoes her sentiment, expressing his joy at realising his Olympic dream. 

"Qualifying for the Games is beyond words," he says.

"I believe climbing has a lot to offer, both as a spectator sport and beyond."

At Paris 2024, the introduction of separate medal events for Speed Climbing marks a pivotal moment for the sport, offering athletes a focused platform to break records and deliver electrifying performances. 

For Oceania and Campbell, representing Australia is both a culmination of their journey and a platform to inspire future generations of climbers. With the stage set in Paris, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of sport climbing's Olympic legacy.

Sport Climbing will be held at the Le Bourget Sport Climbing Venue from 5-10  August.

Sarah Dyce