The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board announced today their recommendation for the Initial Olympic Program for the 2028 games in Los Angeles, California. Sport Climbing, along with Skateboarding and Surfing, are slated to transition to the core program after a strong showing in their debut this summer in Tokyo.

“The announcement today by the IOC Executive Board to add Sport Climbing to the core program for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles reaffirms the power of climbing. Climbing is growing worldwide, it appeals to a youthful demographic, requires mental fitness as well as physical, and at its core showcases the Olympic ideals of Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter (Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together) in its three disciplines of Speed, Lead, and Bouldering,” said Marc Norman, CEO of USA Climbing. “Our debut at the Tokyo Olympic Games proved we belong and today’s announcement confirms it. We look forward to the final vote by the full IOC Board in February, but in the meantime we are excited to take one step closer to being on the core program with this important endorsement. Finally, for our athletes, this announcement keeps their dream of representing Team USA alive and we look forward to providing them the tools they need to be their very best when that day comes.”

While the announcement does not include information about the proposed format, Sport Climbing debuted at the 2020 Tokyo Games as a Combined format, including all three disciplines. Four Americans were among the 40 athletes to compete in the games, with Nathaniel Coleman coming home with a Silver Medal. Climbing will once again be featured in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, this time with different competitions for Speed Climbing and Bouldering/Lead Combined.

Inclusion in the core Olympic Program allows Sport Climbing to be included in future games. The LA 2028 Organizing Committee has announced it’s full support of the IOC’s Executive Board recommendation. The IOC will conduct a session in February 2022 to approve the initial program.