Sean McColl Says Olympics Would Be Dream Come True
Sean McColl is one of the world’s best competitors and one of Canada’s top climbers. He has continuously pushed the limits of hard climbing and has inspired countless young athletes to try hard on the world stage. The rumours that the Olympics will have a combined format in the 2020 games puts McColl a notch ahead of other competitors, as he is a strong Boulderer and Lead climber and regularly competes in Speed climbing.
“Words cannot express how happy I am about this decision,” said McColl on social media. “My ultimate goal as an athlete is to qualify for the games and have the privilege to represent Canada as an Olympian in 2020. I also remain adamant about continuing to raise the level of climbing here in Canada.”
It has been announced that the Olympics will award one gold medal to men and one to women. There will be 20 male competitors and 20 female who will be selected from at least the World Championships and World Cups starting in two years. With over 500 climbers expected at the IFSC World Championships in Paris this September, the number will rise quickly by 2018. If the Olympics do have a combined format, comp climbers who specialize in one discipline today have four years to work on the other two.
“From as far back as I can recall, I remember waking up in the morning, turning on the TV and watching the Olympics,” said McColl. “Now that our sport is secured for the Tokyo 2020 games, the feeling is a bit surreal that my life long goal of being an Olympian could actually come true. There is still a lot of work to be done but I’m confident that the event is going to be spectacular and present the best climbers in the world.” Below is a photo of McColl and the IFSC president Marco Scolaris.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
