Sport Climbing
Sport climbing is the sport of climbing routes on natural or artificial terrain. Modern competitions are held on indoor or outdoor climbing walls. With a variety of terrains and attachments, new routes are created each time. Competitors use only the strength of their own arms and legs to negotiate the routes. Hand magnesia powder and rubber rock shoes are used for better grip.
Disciplines
History
Sport climbing is a Russian sport that originated in 1947. At that time, the world's first official competitions were held on the cliffs of Dombai (Western Caucasus). They were organised by Ivan Antonovich. Sport climbing was created as a form of mountaineering, but then gained complete independence.
The first USSR championship was held in 1955. In 1983 Russia championships were organised. Local climbers have made many efforts to promote the sport at world level. Since the end of the 80s, regular international tournaments have been organised.
In 2010, sport climbing was recognised as an Olympic sport. It will make its debut at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Rules
Speed Climbing. A simultaneous race between two competitors on parallel standardised tracks 15 metres high. The first to touch the button at the finish line moves on to the next race. You have to win four races in a row to win the event. The best athletes complete the course in 5-6 seconds.
Boulder Overcoming short but very difficult paths up to 5 metres high. Athletes have to complete 4-5 courses in each round. The time allowed is 5 minutes and the number of attempts is unlimited. The winner is the one who completes the most routes in the fewest attempts.
Top Three Facts
5 millimetres - this is the width of the ledge from which the climber can support his own weight.
Russia is the only country to have hosted all 4 major sport climbing tournaments in 10 months.
The first sport climbing competitions were held in the USSR in 1947.
Competition Venue
