On 12th December the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) welcomed the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) into the Olympic Movement paving the way for competition climbing to be an Olympic sport - "not if, but when," said one source. Supporters are hoping for 2020.

IFSC President Marco Scolaris commented: "We are grateful to the IOC for this reward that our athletes, our sport and our IF deserve, at the conclusion of an intense year, devoted to building up a sport focused on the youth and its needs in today's world. Being part of the Olympic Movement gives us now additional motivation to continue our work."

More details at http://www.ifsc-climbing.org and www.olympic.org