42 game changers shone in the spotlight of the first Youth Olympic Games for Sport Climbing in Buenos Aires, the most digitally-consumed edition in the event’s eight-year history. Standing atop the podium beside teammates Shuta Tanaka (JPN) and Laura Lammer (AUT), Sam Avezou (FRA) and Vita Lukan (SLO), Japan’s Keita Dohi and Sandra Lettner of Austria capped-off a memorable chapter in the sport’s Olympic journey. After qualifying at home in Innsbruck, Lettner brought back a gold medal to Austria, also host last year of the IFSC World Championships. Dohi extended the Olympic legacy of Japan in Sport Climbing, winning gold two years before the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“Sharing the podium with Laura was a dream come true, for us and for climbing in Austria,” said Lettner.

“I’m delighted with the result and I’m also happy because we created a good impression as a sport,” said Dohi. “Sport Climbing is going to be recognised in Japan. I hope everyone comes to see it at Tokyo 2020.”

This year, Sport Climbing qualification events begin for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the first in the sport’s history. Traditionally held biannually, the IFSC World Championships will take place again in 2019 in Hachioji, Tokyo. Bouldering, Lead and Speed climbing performances will set the stage for the expanded Combined finals, the first qualification event. The IFSC World Cup series will also carry extra weight in 2019. Top athletes in the Overall World Cup ranking will earn a spot at the second qualification event in Toulouse, France. Meiringen, Moscow, Chongqing, Wujiang, Munich, Vail, Villars, Chamonix, Briançon, Kranj and Xiamen all appear on the calendar again, and the season will conclude in Inzai, Japan. View the full Tokyo 2020 Qualification System, and the provisional 2019 calendar can be found at ifsc-climbing.org and above.

“2018 was certainly a golden year for Sport Climbing. The sun has set on our debut at the Youth Olympic Games, but another one rises as the climb to Tokyo continues in 2019. Let’s keep journeying together, as one community, to make the most of this new chapter,” says IFSC President Marco Scolaris.

Media may already register to attend IFSC events on the online media accreditation platform. Registration closes 1 week before the event for TVs and 48 hours for other media. TVs who wish to film the competition climbing should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..