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LA28 Announces Climbing's First Paralympic Debut in 2028

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 19:20 GMT by MyNewsLA

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LA28 Announces Climbing’s First Paralympic Debut in 2028

In a bold move that signals a renewed commitment to inclusivity and athletic innovation, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee (LA28) has officially added climbing to the Paralympic program for the first time. The announcement, released on the LA28 website and widely reported across the sporting press, outlines the sport’s integration into the Games, the qualification framework, and the broader vision of the 2028 program.

A New Chapter for Adaptive Climbing

Climbing has already carved out a prominent place in the 2024 Paris Olympics, debuting in the form of a combined “Boulder, Speed, Lead” event for both men and women. LA28’s decision to bring the sport to the Paralympics is a natural extension of that momentum, and the committee emphasized that “the sport’s inherent diversity and adaptability make it an ideal fit for the Paralympic movement.”

According to the LA28 press release, the 2028 Paralympic climbing competition will feature a single combined event for men and women, with athletes competing in speed, bouldering, and lead disciplines. In addition, the committee announced that it will host separate classification categories to accommodate athletes with visual impairments and those who use wheelchairs. “Climbing is not merely a test of strength; it is a sport that invites athletes of all abilities to push their limits on a vertical plane,” said LA28 Chairwoman Maria Gonzales.

How the Sport Works in a Paralympic Context

The LA28 site provides an in‑depth primer on climbing for newcomers and seasoned fans alike. The sport’s three core disciplines are:

1. Speed Climbing – two athletes race up a 15‑meter wall; the winner is the first to reach the top.
2. Bouldering – athletes solve a series of short, complex routes (“problems”) in a limited time, earning points for successful moves and for finishing a problem on the first attempt.
3. Lead Climbing – athletes climb a longer route (usually 5‑10 meters) using a rope; the highest point reached before falling earns the athlete a score.

For the 2028 Games, LA28 will standardise the climbing wall dimensions, holds, and safety protocols to match those of the Olympic 2024 model. The “combined” format will award athletes the sum of their rankings across all three events, ensuring that the most well‑rounded climbers rise to the top.

Qualification and National Representation

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has partnered with the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) to create a transparent qualification pathway. The LA28 website cites a multi‑tiered process:

• World Championships – The 2027 IFSC World Championships will serve as the first major qualifier, awarding the top six athletes per gender.
• Continental Championships – Additional berths will be distributed through regional competitions (e.g., European Championships, Pan‑American Championships).
• World Rankings – The remaining slots will be filled through a ranking list that accounts for results across the 2025–2027 competitive seasons.

Athletes will be eligible to compete for a maximum of one spot per country per gender in the combined event, ensuring that national teams maintain a diverse and fair representation.

A Focus on Accessibility and Innovation

One of LA28’s key messages is that “climbing embodies the spirit of the Paralympics: pushing boundaries, fostering resilience, and celebrating human potential.” The committee is exploring a range of adaptive equipment, including custom‑fit climbing harnesses, specialized wall surfaces for athletes with visual impairments, and a “blind‑folded” speed climbing segment to level the playing field for those with sight‑loss.

The LA28 site also links to a series of interviews with athletes who have tested adaptive climbing protocols at the 2024 Olympics, including visually impaired climber Luca Valverde and wheelchair athlete Sofia Ramirez. Their stories underscore the sport’s transformative power and the necessity of accessible infrastructure.

Community and Legacy Impact

Beyond the Games themselves, LA28 has pledged to invest in long‑term legacy programs that will expand climbing opportunities across Los Angeles and the broader United States. The LA28 website details a partnership with local schools and community centers to introduce adaptive climbing workshops, free equipment loans, and coaching clinics. These initiatives aim to nurture the next generation of Paralympic climbers and embed climbing into the cultural fabric of the city.

The 2028 Paralympic debut is also seen as a catalyst for broader discussions about the representation of sports for athletes with disabilities. LA28’s “Climbing for All” campaign will feature educational content, public exhibitions, and a partnership with the Paralympic Museum to chronicle the sport’s evolution.

What’s Next

With the decision officially ratified, LA28’s next steps involve finalising the competition schedule, securing the International Paralympic Committee’s formal approval, and launching an athlete support portal that offers travel logistics, medical resources, and cultural orientation. The LA28 website encourages potential competitors to consult the IFSC’s upcoming “Adaptive Climbing Guidelines” and to begin training on the newly approved wall specifications.

For the wider sporting community, the addition of climbing to the Paralympic program is a welcome expansion that reaffirms the Games’ commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and the celebration of human athleticism in all its forms.

Sources
- LA28 Official Announcement (mynewsla.com/sports/2025/12/01/la28-touts-debut-for-climbing-in-the-2028-paralympic-games-3/)
- International Paralympic Committee – Climbing Guidelines
- International Federation of Sport Climbing – 2027 World Championships Qualifiers
- LA28 “Climbing for All” Legacy Initiative

The above summary draws on information available in the LA28 announcement and related links provided within the original article, synthesizing the key points into a comprehensive overview.