Paris 2024 excitement is gathering pace as thirty-four young climbers from the host nation France compete at a Test Event this weekend as part of the preparation ahead of the summer showpiece.
 
Whilst many still dream of Paris 2024 and gaining their ticket at the Olympic Qualifier Series event in Budapest, Hungary, the lucky few will help ensure a smooth competition come Games time. 
 
Although there will be no spectators and only a simulation and operational test of the newly built competition venue, the youth athletes will be the first to compete on the Boulder, Lead and Speed walls at the Le Bourget Sport Climbing Venue in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis.  
 
The two days of competition serves as an opportunity to test and simulate Games time protocols and procedures from an operational perspective to ensure the venue readiness and has many key operational staff in attendance.
 
From the field of play to technology, route setting to volunteers, all aspects of Climbing’s second Olympic appearance will be tested by the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee with the support of IFSC Vice-President Kobinata Toru and IFSC Paris 2024 Delegate Hazel Han.
 
Among the officials in attendance integral to the Paris 2024 competition are Event Delegate Stanley Yeo, Jury President Tim Hatch and Head route setters Garrett Gregor and Martin Hammerer.
 
Also in attendance will be French climber Oriane Bertone who has already secured her ticket to her home Games via the IFSC European Qualifier in Laval, France last year. Bertone attends on the invitation of the IOC as part of their “La Tournée des Sites” initiative to talk to invited dignitaries and will help promote the inspiration and legacy of the Games for the young competing athletes.
 
IFSC Vice-President Kobinata said: “A Test Event is a vital part of the Olympic Games process. Our field of play and warm up areas were finished only a short time ago, and they look fantastic – a venue worthy of a world class event.
 
“Now it is time for some eager young athletes to help us check that everything is in place for August when the eyes of the world will be upon us. It is a great test of our venue and operations, but I am confident with the team we have everything will be successful.”