Climbing Escalade Canada welcomes Olympic qualification events in Canada while expressing disappointment that climbing will not be featured
Climbing Escalade Canada (CEC) welcomes the confirmation that Montréal will host an Olympic Q-Series event from June 1 to 4, 2028. The event represents an exceptional opportunity for Canada to welcome world-class athletes and fans as part of the qualification pathway to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
Climbing Escalade Canada is nevertheless disappointed that sport climbing will not be included in the Montréal programme.
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed climbing competitions at three Olympic Q-Series events: Tokyo, Japan, from May 4 to 7; Shanghai, China, from May 11 to 14; and Orlando, United States, from June 8 to 11. Montréal will host the fourth Olympic Q-Series stop, featuring other Olympic sports.
“We are thrilled that Canada will host an Olympic Q-Series event in Montréal,” said Christiane Marceau, Executive Director of Climbing Escalade Canada. “It is a significant moment for Canadian sport and an exciting opportunity for athletes and fans across the country. At the same time, we are disappointed that Canadian climbing fans will not have the opportunity to experience Olympic qualification competition on home soil.”
Climbing Escalade Canada extends its sincere appreciation to the Canadian Olympic Committee for its strong advocacy and efforts to support climbing’s inclusion in the Montréal event. While the final decision not to include climbing at the Montréal stop was made by the IOC, CEC recognizes and appreciates the Canadian Olympic Committee’s continued commitment to advancing opportunities for Canadian athletes and sport fans.
The Olympic Q-Series is part of the qualification pathway for LA28. Approximately half of Olympic quota places will be allocated through qualification events in 2027, including continental games, the World Climbing Championships, and continental qualification events. The Olympic Q-Series will then allocate the remaining places, including a minimum of four quota places per gender in both Boulder and Lead, and six per gender in Speed.
“Canadian climbers will continue to have important opportunities to pursue Olympic qualification through the events in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Orlando, as well as through the broader qualification pathway,” added Marceau. “We will remain focused on ensuring they have the support and preparation needed to perform at their best on the road to Los Angeles.”
Climbing Escalade Canada looks forward to celebrating the Montréal Olympic Q-Series event and supporting the broader Canadian Olympic community as it welcomes this major international event in 2028.
