Description
Description

Sport climbing is an athletic discipline where participants climb vertical or overhanging walls equipped with fixed anchors and holds, aiming to reach the top in the quickest time or with the least number of attempts. It's divided into three main formats: lead climbing, where climbers attach themselves to a rope and clip it through quickdraws along the route; bouldering, involving short climbs without ropes over crash pads; and speed climbing, where climbers race up a standardized route side by side.

Scoring varies by format: lead and bouldering are scored on progress and attempts, while speed climbing is timed. Essential skills include strength, endurance, flexibility, technique, and problem-solving.

Sport climbing has gained significant popularity globally, with strong communities in the United States, Europe (especially France and Italy), and Asia (Japan and South Korea). It's featured in major competitions like the Climbing World Cup and made its Olympic debut in 2020.

History
History

Sport climbing evolved from traditional rock climbing, shifting from an outdoor adventure activity to a competitive indoor sport. In the 1980s, the advent of indoor climbing gyms allowed for year-round training and led to a standardized setting for competitions. This transition marked the birth of sport climbing as a distinct discipline, focusing on physical strength, technique, and speed rather than outdoor survival skills.

The sport rapidly grew in popularity, leading to the establishment of formal competitions and international governing bodies. Over time, sport climbing diversified into specific categories like lead, bouldering, and speed climbing, each with its unique challenges and appeal. Its inclusion in the Olympics in 2020 marked a significant milestone, showcasing its growth and global reach.

Future
Future

Sport climbing is set for dynamic growth, driven by its recent Olympic debut and increasing popularity. This exposure is likely to attract new participants and sponsors, leading to further development and recognition of the sport. Technological advancements in equipment and training methods will enhance athlete performance and safety. The growing number of climbing gyms worldwide makes the sport more accessible, fostering a larger, more diverse climbing community.

Formats like bouldering and speed climbing are particularly appealing for their spectator-friendly nature, potentially drawing larger audiences. Additionally, the sport's emphasis on physical and mental prowess aligns well with contemporary fitness trends, positioning it as a compelling and engaging activity for people of all ages.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What is sport climbing?


Sport climbing is a type of climbing that relies on permanent anchors anchored to the rock for safety. A is also rope attached to the climber and is clipped into the anchors to prevent a fall. Sport climbing is similar to traditional climbing where the climber uses detachable protection to ascend the mountain.

What should you wear when rock climbing?

When rock climbing, you want to wear something that has a loose fit, sportswear is ideal as it isn’t tight can have material to absorb water and sweat. Protective gear is also recommended, in case of an emergency you always want to be protected.

How do you start rock climbing?

Starting off rock climbing you want to try and practice it indoors at a certified rock climbing gym, this will help you get an idea on how movement and grips interact when you climb. After that, you want to find a qualified guide and have them teach you the different types of climbing. Once that’s done, you gear up and find a route.


Sports

* Under Development *

6’1” | 1.85 m
February 5, 1993
Adam Ondra
185.000
1993.00
55000
GUIDE
3D
Adam Ondra
5’5” | 1.65 m
August 7, 1962
Alain Robert
165.000
1962.00
23000
GUIDE
3D
Alain Robert
5’11” | 1.80 m
August 17, 1985
Alex Honnold
180.000
1985.00
247000
GUIDE
3D
Alex Honnold
5’1” | 1.55 m
April 3, 2001
Ashima Shiraishi
155.000
2001.00
19000
GUIDE
3D
Ashima Shiraishi
6’0” | 1.83 m
April 23, 1981
Chris Sharma
183.000
1981.00
23000
GUIDE
3D
Chris Sharma
4’9” | 1.45 m
September 22, 1939
Junko Tabei
145.000
1939.00
1400000
GUIDE
3D
Junko Tabei
Alex Honnold
Series of scaled illustrations comparing the height of Alex Honnold with other related climbers

Alex Honnold is not just America's best rock climber alive, but also a well-known celebrity with a biography that has brought him two awards: Academy and BAFTA Awards. Having been inspired by Peter Croft and Tommy Caldwell, Alex started climbing in his childhood in gyms and gained fame after climbing solo over the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome. He became even more famous for his solo climbing of El Capitan. Alex is a free solo climber of gigantic walls and holds the fastest climb of the Yosemite triple crown. These have made him be considered the most outstanding athlete and rock climber.

Alex Honnold has a height of 5’11” (1.80 m).

Drawings of Alex Honnold in a range of climbing positions labeled with overall height
Alex Honnold is not just America's best rock climber alive, but also a well-known celebrity with a biography that has brought him two awards: Academy and BAFTA Awards. Alex gained fame after climbing solo over the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome.

Alex Honnold has a height of 5’11” (1.80 m).

Drawings of Alex Honnold in a range of climbing positions labeled with overall height
Alex Honnold
Height:
5’11” | 1.80 m
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Nationality: United States

Years Active: 1995—

Birthday
August 17, 1985

Drawings include:
Alex Honnold standing, climbing (various)

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Adam Ondra
Scaled height comparison illustration of Adam Ondra in relation to other climbers

Adam Ondra is a Czech professional rock climber who began rock climbing in his childhood. He does bouldering and lead climbing and is considered the best lead climber alive. In 2014, he won the World Championship titles in both lead climbing and bouldering. Ondra is a three-time World Cup series winner in lead climbing and one-time in bouldering. Besides, he has a collection of eighteen gold medals and has climbed over a hundred and seventy-four routes. He has also redpointed over two routes. These achievements have made him appear on the cover of several climbing magazines and even publish his own books.

Adam Ondra has a height of 6’1” (1.85 m).

Group of drawings of Adam Ondra in a range of climbing positions labeled with overall height
Adam Ondra is a Czech professional rock climber who began rock climbing in his childhood. He does bouldering and lead climbing and is considered the best lead climber alive. In 2014, he won the World Championship titles in both lead climbing and bouldering. Ondra is a three-time World Cup winner.

Adam Ondra has a height of 6’1” (1.85 m).

Group of drawings of Adam Ondra in a range of climbing positions labeled with overall height
Adam Ondra
Height:
6’1” | 1.85 m
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Length:
Depth:
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Nationality: Czech Republic

Years Active: 2007—

Birthday
February 5, 1993

Drawings include:
Adam Ondra standing, climbing (various)

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Junko Tabei
Series of scaled illustrations comparing the height of Junko Tabei with other related climbers

Junko Tabei was a Japanese mountaineer and the first woman to reach Mount Everest summit. Besides, she is the first woman to ascend to the highest peaks of all the highest mountains in the seven continents, also called the Seven Summit. Born Junko Ishibashi, she was a mountaineer, author with seven books, and a teacher. Junko was also famous for climbing almost all the mountains in Japan. Besides climbing, she led environmental projects to collect litter left by mountaineers and other youth initiative projects such as holding guiding excursions on Mount Fuji. Junko also set up the Joshi-Tohan Club (Women's Mountaineering Club) for women only climbers.

Junko Tabei had a height of 4’9” (1.45 m).

Drawings of Junko Tabei in a range of climbing positions labeled with overall height
Junko Tabei was a Japanese mountaineer and the first woman to reach Mount Everest summit. Besides, she is the first woman to ascend to the highest peaks of all the highest mountains in the seven continents, also called the Seven Summit. Junko authored seven books and was a teacher.

Junko Tabei had a height of 4’9” (1.45 m).

Drawings of Junko Tabei in a range of climbing positions labeled with overall height
Junko Tabei
Height:
4’9” | 1.45 m
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Length:
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Nationality: Japan

Years Active: 1969-2016

Death: October 20, 2016

Birthday
September 22, 1939

Drawings include:
Junko Tabei standing, climbing (various)

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Ashima Shiraishi
Scaled height comparison illustration of Ashima Shiraishi in relation to other climbers

Ashima Shiraishi is an American rock climber who has proved that rock climbing is not just a sport for men. She started climbing in her childhood and is now a top boulder and sports climber besides being the best teenage climber. She has received accolades for finishing first place in international competitions and being the youngest and fastest female climbers, making her appear in short documentary-style films. News outlets refer to her as "bouldering phenom" or "young crusher' or "a Gretzky of the granite." Ashima is the youngest and second female to climb a sports route with 9a/9a+ difficult grade.

Ashima Shiraishi has a height of 5’1” (1.55 m).

Group of drawings of Ashima Shiraishi in a range of climbing positions labeled with overall height
Ashima Shiraishi is an American rock climber who has proved that rock climbing is not just a sport for men. She started climbing in her childhood and is now a top boulder and sports climber besides being the best teenage climber. She has received accolades internationally.

Ashima Shiraishi has a height of 5’1” (1.55 m).

Group of drawings of Ashima Shiraishi in a range of climbing positions labeled with overall height
Ashima Shiraishi
Height:
5’1” | 1.55 m
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Length:
Depth:
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Area:

Nationality: United States

Years Active: 2008—

Birthday
April 3, 2001

Drawings include:
Ashima Shiraishi standing, climbing (various)

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Alain Robert
Height comparison diagram of Alain Robert compared to other climbers

As other climbers prefer to climb only rocks or boulders, the Frenchman, Alain Robert also takes on urban climbing. Thus, he is nicknamed "the French Spider-Man" or "the Human Spider," famous for free solo climbing of skyscrapers without climbing gears, but with only a pair of climbing shoes and a bag of chalk. To successfully climb buildings, he uses protrusions of building walls and windows. His climbs have made him rub shoulders with authorities while also attracting considerable attention and sponsorship. Among buildings he climbed include the Burj Khalifa, Sydney Opera House, Cheung Kong Center, and Petronas Twin Towers.

Alain Robert has a height of 5’5” (1.65 m).

Set of illustrations of Alain Robert in various climbing poses dimensioned with overall height
As other climbers prefer to climb only rocks or boulders, the Frenchman, Alain Robert also takes on urban climbing. He is nicknamed "the French Spider-Man" or "the Human Spider," famous for free solo climbing of skyscrapers without climbing gear, but with only a pair of climbing shoes and chalk.

Alain Robert has a height of 5’5” (1.65 m).

Set of illustrations of Alain Robert in various climbing poses dimensioned with overall height
Alain Robert
Height:
5’5” | 1.65 m
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Nationality: France

Years Active:
1974—

Birthday
August 7, 1962

Drawings include:
Alain Robert standing, climbing (various)

Downloads

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