Sport Climbing has been confirmed as a new Olympic sport for the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Officials have also added surfing, karate, skateboarding, baseball and softball to the programme.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted unanimously to include the sports but the decision applies only to the Tokyo Games, where 33 sports will now be contested.

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Sport Climbing involves scaling anchor-like bolts fixed to walls at varying heights and levels to get to the top.


More than 140 countries have climbing walls - and with an estimated 35 million climbers around the world, they are growing in popularity.

Image: The sport demands exceptional strength and agility

The International Federation of Sports Climbing is now working out the finer details about how competitors will be scored.

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But essentially there will be three disciplines - lead climbing, a speed test and bouldering - with the gold medal going to the competitor with the overall highest score.

British bouldering world cup champion, Shauna Coxsey, who trains for 40 hours a week, is hoping to make the Olympic team.

She told Sky News: "The concept of climbing being part of the Olympics is amazing, exciting and surreal.

"Currently no climber dominates across all three disciplines. I'm ranked first in the world with bouldering, and I have previously competed in lead climbing so transferring back would not be too alien to me but speed climbing will be completely alien to me.

"It will be a huge undertaking to push myself to the limit in all three climbing categories but I'm very excited about the prospect," she said.

The new sports were included by Tokyo organisers because of their appeal in the country.

They hope the inclusion will help spark public interest in the events and increase the number of participants and fans.

It will also give host countries the chance to boost ratings and attract greater sponsorship.

The average age for climbing is 23, with 40% under 20, according to the International Federation of Sport Climbing.

With this in mind, the International Olympic Committee said its inclusion will help the programme to evolve and offer a key focus on youth.