Australia's most successful speed climbers have welcomed moves to introduce climbing to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved a proposal to introduce five new sports to the 2020 Games: sports climbing, skateboarding, surfing, karate and baseball/softball.

The sports were considered for their youth and "urban" appeal, in what the IOC called the "most comprehensive evolution of the Olympic program in modern history".

Australian Climbing Team national coach Will Hammersla said the sport would thrive with inclusion in the Olympics.

"Climbing internationally is already a really elite sport, we've got world cups, championships, it's definitely grown in popularity," he said.

"But we're missing the support base to push it into the future."

From recreation to elite athleticism

Some of the country's most elite climbers gather at Bayside Rock, in Melbourne's outer south east, to train almost daily.

James Kassay has competed in five international competitions and placed first in two Australian championships.

The 31-year-old has a passion for bouldering and hopes to make Australia's Olympic team in 2020.

"It is a really exciting time for us because there is so much room for growth," he said.

"Rather than being a recreational activity, people are turning to [climbing] as a sport, because it's not just a physical thing, it's mental as well - there is so much problem-solving involved."

Australian rock climber Campbell Harrison trains at Bayside Rock in outer Melbourne. ( ABC Local: Clare Rawlinson )

Unlike most Olympic sports, climbing competitions see athletes support - even help - their opponents.

"Everyone wants to share their idea of how [the climb] is done to give everyone an even chance," lead climber Campbell Harrison, 18, said.

"It's actually considered cheating to conceal your ideas about how the climb is done - because climbing's roots run deeper than the competition, we'll always hold on to the friendly nature."

The proposal for five new sports will be submitted to the IOC Session and a final decision is expected to be made mid-2017.

If confirmed, the IOC has promised the new inclusions will not detract support from the existing 28 sports in the Olympic program, and the sports would not be binding for future Olympic Games.