Sport Climbing: The Latest Olympic Sport & What You Need to Know

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the newest sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was sport climbing. It made its Olympic debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, along with skateboarding, surfing, karate, and baseball/softball (which returned to the Olympics after an absence).

Sport climbing combines speed climbing, bouldering, and lead climbing into a single competition format. Speed climbing emphasizes quickness, as athletes race up a 15-meter wall. Bouldering, on the other hand, requires strength and power, as climbers navigate short but challenging climbing problems without ropes. Lead climbing tests endurance and technical skills, as athletes attempt to climb as high as possible on a steep route with a rope and harness.

Please note that my information may be outdated since then, and new sports may have been recognized by the IOC. To stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of sports, I recommend checking official sources such as the IOC website or reputable sports news outlets.