Climbing Youth World Championships 2024 in Guiyang, China

Nearly 600 young climbers from around the world were welcomed to Guiyang, China for the IFSC Youth World Championships 2024 ahead of ten days of competition at the Rock Climbing Hall, Guizhou Bureau of Sports Qingzhen Sports Training Base.

Held from 22-31 August, 599 athletes from 49 nations - 334 male and 265 female – will compete in the Boulder, Lead and Speed disciplines across three age categories – U16, U18 and U20, to crown the youth world champions.

Hosted by the Chinese National Federation, the event was opened by Vice Mayor of Guiyang Long Cong, IFSC Event Delegate Christoph Billon and IFSC President Marco Scolaris who welcomed all the climbers via video message.

There was a feast of dancing and singing for the attending climbers, coaches and officials after the flag ceremony where a country representative waved their flag as part of the parade of nations. Australia’s Cléa Hall also read the Athletes Pledge on behalf of all the competing climbers.

Each year the climbers attending the Youth Worlds do so with a range of experience, and 2024 is no different. Some will get their first taste of international competition; some will get their first taste of the host nation and others return with the experience gained from previous years and other IFSC competitions.

Competition will begin with the men’s and women’s U18 Lead qualification on 22 August at 09:00 (UTC+8:00).