Slapstick Olympic presentation by IFSC

Yesterday, IFSC had an Olympic presentation for the athletes and coaches in Paris and most of the audience actually just shook their heads. In the suggested format 20 competitors should start with Speed, where four of them are knocked out. Then the remaining 16 continues to Boulder with some more cut offs before the big Lead final deciding on the medalists. The athletes and coaches were asked to make written comments and suggestions before the deadline of 25th September in regards to this knock-out format. When it comes to qualification, IFSC said that the decision of this part should be up tonational federations! Many critical comments and questions were raised. Jakob Schubert addressed some as well but he was interrupted by an IFSC representative asking: "Could you please present yourself?" IFSC explained that IOC had given the Olympic conditions: One set of medals, 20 participants, the World Champions in the three disciplines have to participate. Further more, there must be something in the form of a superfinal where the medalists are picked. IFSC did not want a calculated gold medal. The IFSC President, Marco Scolaris, said that it was very important for us to create a good show in order continue with climbing as an Olympic sport; hopefully with three sets of medals in 2024.