From 20-23 June, approximately 150 competitors from 26 countries will compete in the Slovakian capital, hoping to secure the title of world’s best university climber. Bratislava won the right to host the event in December 2015, and have been working hard to create a world class competition venue.
The main site of the Climbing Championship will be K2, the only climbing wall in Slovakia suitable for elite speed climbing competition. A big overhang dominates the wall, making it extremely challenging for even the most experienced climbers. Measuring 2000m² with a maximum height of 15.5m, perpendicular and overhanging sections will create technical difficulties for all competitors.
"This wall fulfils the criteria we had in mind, particularly the difficulty and speed," Organisation Committee President Peter Hamaj said. "Each wall needs to reach the official parameters regarding slope and length. There are also rules for the specific shape and position of the holds for this kind of climbing event."
Entry to the FISU World University Sport Climbing Championship will be free of charge, creating an opportunity for all to witness first class sport. Some of the event will also take place also in the public square in front of the Eurovea shopping centre. This is the same venue that will host Bratislava’s Olympic Day celebrations on 22 June, with various competitions for children, attractions, introduction of Olympic sports, and athletes signing autographs.
As one of the five new sports at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games, there is no doubt that sport climbing is in the spotlight. The sport is growing in popularity all over the world, and this year marks the second edition of the FISU World University Sport Climbing Championship.
Ahead of the event, Július Dubovský, President of the Slovak University Sports Association said:
"We are delighted that we can show off this sport in Slovakia before it takes place at the Olympics for the very first time. This championship will be unique; this extreme sport is not very traditional, yet it attracts more and more attention among its fans."
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