Introduction: Climbing to New Heights in 2025
Sport climbing made a thrilling debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and returned even stronger at Paris 2024. Now, in 2025, the combined format continues to evolve—bringing fresh changes, intense competition, and greater recognition for climbers worldwide.
This article dives into everything new in Sport Climbing Combined for the 2025 Olympic cycle, including updated formats, athlete participation, and what fans should expect from this adrenaline-filled even.
What is Sport Climbing Combined?
Sport Climbing Combined is an Olympic event that merges three distinct disciplines:
Speed Climbing – A race up a 15-meter wall.
Bouldering – Short, powerful climbing problems on lower walls without ropes.
Lead Climbing – Climbing as high as possible on a long wall within a time limit.
In this format, climbers must show versatility, strength, and strategy to score across all three.
What’s New in 2025?
Separate Events for Speed and Combined (Continued from 2024)
Following positive feedback from Paris 2024, the Speed Climbing event remains separate from the Boulder & Lead Combined event in 2025. This gives climbers a chance to specialize and creates fairer scoring.
Updated Scoring System
In 2025, organizers refined the scoring system to improve clarity and accuracy.
They now add Bouldering and Lead points instead of multiplying them, as in Tokyo 2020.
They use a ranking-based point system for Speed.
Judges award partial scores for progress in both Lead and Boulder.
More Global Representation
To promote diversity, the IOC and IFSC have introduced regional quota spots, allowing more athletes from underrepresented countries to compete in climbing.
Youth Inclusion & Talent Development
In 2025, Olympic climbing events also feature youth showcases to spotlight emerging climbers and promote the sport globally.
Why These Changes Matter
Improved fairness for specialists in each discipline- More engaging format for viewers
- Greater global reach and athlete diversity
- Better clarity in judging and scoring
Top Contenders to Watch in 2025
- Janja Garnbret (Slovenia) – Dominant in Lead & Boulder
- Tomoa Narasaki (Japan) – Versatile and fast
- Natalia Grossman (USA) – Strong bouldering contender
- Bassa Mawem (France) – Speed climbing expert
- New talent from Africa and South America, thanks to new quotas
Venue & Schedule (2025 Preview)
Host City: To be confirmed, expected in Europe
Dates: Late Summer 2025 (likely August)
Broadcast: Olympic Channel, YouTube, and national sports networks
Tickets: Expected to sell out quickly due to climbing’s rising popularity
Conclusion: A New Era for Olympic Climbing
The 2025 Sport Climbing Combined event marks another big leap forward for the sport. With fairer formats, clearer scoring, and broader inclusion, this year’s competition will not only test the world’s best climbers but also inspire a new generation of fans and athletes.
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a casual viewer, this is one Olympic event you won’t want to miss.
FAQs: Sport Climbing Combined 2025
Q1: What does “combined” mean in sport climbing?
It refers to an event where athletes compete in multiple disciplines—bouldering and lead—combined into a single score.
Q2: Is speed climbing still part of the combined event?
No, since Paris 2024, speed has been separated into its own medal event.
How are athletes scored in the combined format?
Judges award points based on athletes’ performance in Bouldering and Lead, then total the points to determine rankings.
Q4: Will there be more countries represented in 2025?
Yes, regional quotas have been added to allow for wider global participation.
Q5: Can new or young athletes compete in the Olympics?
Yes! The 2025 Games include youth development showcases, and more open qualification routes.
