The second of the three IFSC Para Climbing World Cup’s kicks off in Innsbruck, Austria with 236 athletes registered to take part across the 20 sport classes.

Para Climbing has been going from strength to strength of late with new nations joining the ranks. At the first event of the year in Salt Lake City, USA El Salvador were welcomed to the competition, and in the biggest turnout of the year so far, Iceland will be added to the country list of starters.

Gauti Stefánsson will be the first for his nation to compete in the men’s AL2 and will go up against climbers such as France’s Thierry Delarue and the USA's Ethan Zilz who were on the podium in Salt Lake City.

Although not attending this time around, the climbers from El Salvador were not only making history for their nation, they also witnessed it as Belgium’s Pavitra Vandenhoven made the first mixed podium at the event.

Vandenhoven took bronze behind two climbers who will be looking to repeat their medal winning exploits on home soil – Austria’s Angelino Zeller and Markus Pösendorfer.

Talking about the Salt Lake City event Vandenhoven said: “It was such an exciting experience! At first, I didn’t really know what to expect. The men are incredibly strong – many of them are my climbing idols – so to be on the same team and to compete as one category group for the first time was just amazing. I admire them so much, and it felt really special to share that podium moment together.”

Looking deeper into her emotions and feelings at the time the Belgian said: “In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. They’re so talented at what they do, and I have nothing but respect for that.

“I did feel a little nervous – not because we were one category, but more because, as a woman, I wanted to prove that I deserved to be there too. I wanted to show that women are not weaker or less capable – we bring strong competition and have just as much to offer. That was important to me.”

Looking more at the present and the Innsbruck event Vandenhoven said: “I’m really excited for Innsbruck! It’s always a special competition with a great atmosphere and a strong field of athletes. I’m looking forward to being there and giving it everything I’ve got.

And her goals for the event: “My biggest goal for Innsbruck is simply to enjoy the competition and give it my all. Of course, making the podium would be amazing, but after everything, my main focus is to climb in a way that feels truly connected – to be one with the wall again. If I can do that, it will already be a success. I also really hope to qualify for Seoul, which is my main goal for the season.”

Seoul, South Korea will host the IFSC Climbing and Para Climbing World Championships in September, so a big year for the climbers to try and take home a World Championships medal as well as World Cup success.

Talking about her training for the season Vandenhoven said: “In the past, I used to focus more on my physical training and less on the mental aspect. But lately, that’s shifted.

“Because of some personal struggles, the more insecure version of myself has started to show up again. But I’m working on that. My training now is not just about getting stronger physically, but also mentally – finding back that confidence and joy in climbing.”

In Salt Lake City the home nation USA were on fire way out in front in terms of medals, but there are a few climbers from other nations on medal and podium streaks looking to keep on going in Austria.

Italy’s Nadia Bredice and Austria’s Linda Le Bon both secured their third consecutive World Cup victories in Salt Lake City in the visually impaired classes and Japan’s Aita Sho is no stranger to the World Cup podium.

France also have a few strong performers with Lucie Jarrige claiming her 13th World Cup title in the women’s AL2 class and teammate Solenne Piret extending her winning streak with her 11th career World Cup gold in AU2 at the last World Cup.

With 148 male and 87 female registered, the competition is about to get tougher for everyone involved and being at the top of your game is essential.

IFSC Para Climbing Innsbruck begins 09:00 (UTC+2:00) Monday 23 June with qualifications for all sport classes before the finals a day later at 16:30 local time.

News and updates about all IFSC events will be available on the IFSC website and on the Federation’s digital channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, and exclusively for the Chinese audience, Douyin, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu.