kids encyclopedia robot

Sport climbing at the 2020 Summer Olympics facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Sport climbing
at the Games of the XXXII Olympiad
Sport Climbing, Tokyo 2020.svg
Venue Aomi Urban Sports Park, Tokyo
Dates 3-6 August 2021
No. of events 2
Competitors 40

Sport climbing was a new and exciting event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. This thrilling sport combines strength, skill, and strategy. Two separate competitions were held, one for men and one for women.

What is Olympic Sport Climbing?

Sport climbing at the Olympics is a special event where climbers compete in three different types of climbing. To win, athletes need to be good at all three! This unique format was first tried out at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics.

The Three Climbing Styles

The Olympic sport climbing event combines three exciting disciplines:

Speed Climbing: Who is the Fastest?

In speed climbing, two climbers race against each other up a tall wall. The wall is always the same height and has the same handholds and footholds. This means climbers can practice and try to beat their own best times. It's all about how quickly you can reach the top!

Bouldering: Solving Climbing Puzzles

Bouldering involves climbing short, tricky routes called "problems" without ropes. Climbers use thick mats below them for safety. Each problem is like a puzzle, and climbers have a limited time to figure out how to get to the top. They need strength, balance, and smart moves to succeed.

Lead Climbing: Reaching New Heights

In lead climbing, athletes try to climb as high as they can on a very tall wall. They are attached to a rope for safety. As they climb, they clip their rope into quickdraws along the route. The climber who reaches the highest point wins this part of the competition. It tests their endurance and ability to plan their moves.

How is the Winner Decided?

Unlike other sports where points are added up, the winner in Olympic sport climbing is found by multiplying the climbers' ranks in each of the three disciplines. The lower the final product, the better the climber's overall performance. This means being good at all three parts is very important!

Images for kids

See also

In Spanish: Escalada en los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio 2020 para niños

kids search engine
Sport climbing at the 2020 Summer Olympics Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.