Spain Shines at the Para Climbing World Cup with Los Angeles 2028 on the Horizon

Spain's national team achieved total success at the II Para Climbing World Cup, organised by the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) at the iconic Kletterzentrum Tirol climbing centre in Innsbruck. Five medals, numerous finalists, and a team that stood out for its cohesion and collective spirit make up the fantastic balance of the delegation driven by FEDME (Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports).

A brilliant performance in a championship that, with over 200 participants and 20 categories, not only reaffirmed the competitive growth of para climbing but also marked the beginning of an exciting sports cycle that will culminate in 2028, with the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, when this discipline will debut as an official sport.

The silver medals of Javier Aguilar Amoedo, in category B1 (total visual impairment); Júlia Castelló Farré, in category AL1 (leg amputation); Albert Guardia Ferrer, in category AL2 (leg limitation); and Paula de la Calle Pizarro, in category AU3 (arm limitation), as well as the bronze of Guillermo Pelegrín Gómez, in category B2 (moderate visual impairment), crowned the Spanish participation, which, beyond the results, stood out for an exceptional group atmosphere and constant mutual support among the athletes.

"In the end, beyond the result, what fills you is finishing climbing and knowing that, no matter how it went, there is a large group of people waiting to hug you, congratulate you, and celebrate with you," highlighted Spanish medallist Paula de la Calle. "Whenever I return home from a competition like this, I come back with a rush of adrenaline because with the para climbing team, it's all laughter, good vibes, and you feel super supported," her teammate Guillermo Pelegrín emphasised.

The expedition counted on the important work of coaches Marina Expósito and Víctor Esteller, who, in addition to their technical work, acted as guides for athletes with visual impairments, reaffirming the comprehensive commitment of the technical team. The usual guide, Tony Curiel, was absent due to health reasons, and thus the team wanted to dedicate part of the collective success to him.

It was recently made official that para climbing will be a Paralympic sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, with a programme of eight medal events (four in the men's category and four in the women's) and participation of 80 athletes. The categories will be established based on visual limitations (B1/B2), upper limb limitations (AU2), lower limb limitations (AL2), and motor functions (RP1).

After the Innsbruck World Cup, the Spanish team is already preparing for its next major event: the 2025 Para Climbing World Championship, which will be held in Seoul at the end of September. A key event in the international qualifying process and a new opportunity to continue growing as a group and as a leading country in this rising discipline.