A thrilling display of athleticism and speed – American teenager Sam Watson set a new world record in the relatively new Olympic event of sport climbing. On Tuesday, Watson clocked an astonishing 4.75 seconds in the speed climbing qualification rounds at the Paris Olympics, breaking his own previous record of 4.79 seconds, which he set earlier this year at a World Cup event in China. This incredible feat also earned him the distinction of the fastest time ever recorded in a timed Olympic sport.
Sport climbing, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021, is still a novel event for many spectators. It was initially introduced as a combined event featuring three distinct disciplines: bouldering, lead climbing, and speed climbing. Bouldering involves climbing short, technical routes without a rope, lead climbing requires athletes to clip a rope to protection points along the way, and speed climbing focuses purely on how quickly climbers can ascend a 15-meter wall.
For the Paris Games, sport climbing has been restructured into two separate medal opportunities: one combining bouldering and lead climbing, and the other dedicated solely to speed climbing. This change came in response to criticism from athletes and fans who felt that the combined event in Tokyo did not adequately showcase the unique skills required for each discipline. Many argued that forcing climbers to compete across all three specialities created an unfair “circus” that diminished the technical aspects of the sport.
In speed climbing, athletes compete head-to-head, racing to the top of the wall in a bracket-style elimination format. The climbers with the slowest times are progressively eliminated until one victor emerges. This high-octane format not only tests raw speed but also the mental fortitude and composure of the athletes under intense pressure.
Watson, an 18-year-old from Texas, has been a standout in the sport, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible. His latest record-breaking performance has cemented his status as a rising star in the climbing world. In the quarterfinals of the men’s speed event, Watson will face New Zealand’s Julian David, with the eyes of the world watching to see if he can maintain his blistering pace.
The restructuring of sport climbing into distinct disciplines for the Paris Olympics has been widely praised, allowing athletes to demonstrate their expertise in their preferred specialities. This move has also brought more clarity and excitement to the sport, with spectators able to appreciate the unique challenges and skills involved in each event.
Sam Watson’s record-breaking achievement not only highlights his incredible talent but also underscores the growing popularity and competitive spirit of sport climbing. As the sport continues to evolve, athletes like Watson are sure to inspire the next generation of climbers to reach new heights.