sportclimbing

Sport climbing is a form of rock climbing that relies on pre-placed bolts and fixed anchors for protection. Unlike traditional climbing, climbers do not place their own gear to protect against falls. Sport climbing can be practiced on natural rock or on artificial climbing walls, enabling longer, more vertical routes with controlled protection.

Equipment and technique: Climbers wear a harness and use a rope belayed from below or above. Protection is provided by pre-installed bolts into which quickdraws are clipped as the climber ascends (lead climbing). Alternatively, routes can be top-roped, with the rope fixed to a top anchor. Indoor walls use fully bolted routes. Common gear also includes climbing shoes, chalk, and a belay device.

Routes and grading: Routes are graded for difficulty, most commonly using the French sport grade system, such as 6a, 7c+, or 9b+. Other regions may use different scales. Grading reflects technical difficulty and endurance, not protection or length. Climbing style emphasizes movement, technique, and efficiency on pre-placed protection.

Governance and competition: International competition is organized by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC). The IFSC runs world championships and a World Cup circuit; sport climbing was included in the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 in a combined format that included lead, speed, and bouldering.

History and scope: The modern form of sport climbing developed in the late 20th century, with bolted routes becoming common in Europe and elsewhere. It has since grown to include thousands of indoor facilities and a wide range of outdoor routes, from sport climbing areas to competition venues, with participation across ages and skill levels.