The countdown to the Paris Olympics is over, and among the exciting lineup of sports set to captivate audiences worldwide is climbing. In this article, we take a look at the climbing's history, tracing its path to becoming a recognised Olympic sport and its upcoming appearance at the Paris Games.
Climbing’s documented history can be traced back to the early 14th century. One of the first recorded instances of climbing for recreational purposes occurred in 1336, when the Italian poet Petrarch climbed Mont Ventoux in France, marking an early milestone in the history of climbing as an activity pursued for enjoyment and exploration rather than practical or religious reasons.
As climbing evolved, more systematic documentation appeared in the 18th and 19th centuries. The birth of modern mountaineering is often linked to the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786 by Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard, which sparked a growing interest in tackling major peaks in the Alps.
By the late 19th century, climbing had transformed from a niche activity into a popular pursuit. The establishment of mountaineering clubs and advances in climbing techniques and equipment contributed to its growing appeal. Climbers began pushing the boundaries of human achievement on iconic peaks around the world. As climbing grew in popularity, so too did the desire to showcase its athleticism and skill on a global stage.
Climbing's inclusion in the Paris Olympics marks a significant milestone in the sport's journey to mainstream recognition. The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC, founded in 2007) played a pivotal role in advocating for climbing's Olympic debut, showcasing its appeal to a diverse audience and its potential to captivate spectators with its blend of athleticism, strategy, and mental fortitude.
Interestingly, climbing's Olympic connections date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Alpinism was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, the same year the IOC was established. In 1924, climbers from General Bruce's Everest expedition were awarded Olympic medals for their exceptional achievements in mountaineering, even though they did not reach the summit. Following this, in 1932, Franz and Tony Schmidt received Olympic honours for their pioneering climb of the Matterhorn’s North Face. In 1936, climbers Gunter and Mrs Dyenfurth were acknowledged for their significant Himalayan explorations. However, by 1946, the Alpinism Prize was discontinued, and climbing's formal connection with the Olympics waned.
While the Paris Games will be a monumental event for the climbing community, it is worth noting that climbing made its Olympic debut in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where it was met with widespread acclaim and excitement.
The Paris Olympics will feature three disciplines of climbing: lead climbing, bouldering, and speed climbing, each offering its own unique challenges and thrills. Athletes from around the world will compete for Olympic glory, showcasing their skills on artificial walls designed to test their strength, agility, and technique. Climbing's inclusion in the Olympics not only provides a platform for athletes to showcase their talents but also introduces a new audience to the sport's beauty and excitement.
One of the most exciting aspects of climbing's Olympic presence is its potential to inspire a new generation of climbers. As viewers tune in to watch the world's best athletes compete on the Olympic stage, they will be introduced to the thrill of climbing and the values of perseverance, determination, and sportsmanship that define the sport. Climbing's inclusion in the Olympics opens doors for aspiring climbers, offering them a pathway to pursue their dreams and reach new heights of achievement.
As we eagerly anticipate climbing's role at the Paris Olympics, we also reflect on the rich history and heritage of the sport. From its humble beginnings on rugged mountain sides to its evolution into a recognised Olympic discipline, climbing has always been a source of inspiration, challenge, and camaraderie.
The Mountain Heritage Trust is thrilled to hold the Don Robinson Collection in its archive. This is an internationally significant collection of plans, photographs, documents, and models produced by Don Robinson through his climbing wall company, DR Walls International, from the 1970s to the 2010s. The MHT is actively investigating ways in which this collection can be researched, catalogued, and made publicly available so that its significance in climbing wall history can be fully appreciated by all .
As climbers and enthusiasts around the world prepare to witness climbing's role at the Paris Games, we celebrate not only the athletes who will compete on the world stage but also the rich history and heritage of the sport. From its origins in the mountains to its recognition on the Olympic stage, climbing embodies the spirit of adventure, perseverance, and excellence. As we scale new heights in Paris, we honour the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future of climbing on the global stage.
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