For the first time, speed climbing will have its own separate medal event in the 2024 Olympics, marking a significant milestone for the sport. KTVB’s Brady Frederick recently joined local climbers to experience the excitement firsthand.
The rock climbing community in the Treasure Valley is rapidly gaining prominence. Rajath Thekkedath, head coach of Vertical View’s Climbing Team, has witnessed this growth over the past decade.
“This community has grown a lot,” Thekkedath said. “I’ve been here about 10 years, and in that time, two new gyms have opened up. The youth programs have produced many exceptional athletes.”
Vertical View and Asana Climbing Gyms recently hosted the 2023 US Open Nationals, drawing more Idahoans to try the sport. Many find themselves captivated by this new passion.
KTVB’s Brady Frederick geared up with a harness and climbing shoes, ready to discover the allure of speed climbing. Thekkedath guided him through one of their entry-level climbs, emphasizing that overcoming a fear of heights can lead to a thrilling, adrenaline-filled, full-body workout. As climbers gain experience, they can delve into the main disciplines of competitive climbing.
In a historic move, speed climbing will debut as a standalone event in the 2024 Olympics, complete with its own medal. This discipline is akin to a short sprint, where climbers race head-to-head up a 15-meter wall.
“The world record right now is something like 4.78 seconds; it’s pretty incredible,” Thekkedath said. “That five-second barrier was kind of like the four-minute mile for the longest time.”
Unlike other climbing disciplines that emphasize variety, speed climbing follows the same route every time.
“Even the angle of the wall, the distance between the holds, and the orientation of every hold is measured to an exact degree,” Thekkedath explained.
Frederick’s opponent was 18-year-old Jimmy Catama, a local climber preparing for the Youth Nationals. As expected, the beginner struggled against Catama’s 11 years of experience, highlighting the importance of speed and power in this intermediate difficulty climb.
Different climbers approach the wall in various ways. Taller climbers benefit from their reach, while shorter climbers compensate with agility and technique.
“Everybody is unique, everybody’s body is different, so everybody’s style is different,” Catama said. “I’m on the shorter side of the climbing world, so my style is dynamic. I like to jump a lot; I’m very springy.”
Regardless of individual styles, getting into climbing has never been easier. With speed climbing now featured as a standalone sport, its popularity is soaring.
“I think it’s amazing that people are starting to see what climbing is and how different climbing is,” Catama remarked.
“Honestly, it’s hard to imagine prior to 2016 or whenever they announced it,” Thekkedath added. “It’s unbelievable.”
As speed climbing continues to ascend in popularity, the climbing community in Idaho and beyond eagerly anticipates its debut on the Olympic stage.
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