Olympic & Paralympic
On the path to the podium
Climbing’s arrival on the Olympic stage at Tokyo 2020 changed what is possible for American athletes — and raised the stakes for everyone chasing the next Games.
USA Climbing supports elite U.S. athletes on their path to the podium, including those competing in the newly expanded climbing program at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Funding will help cover essential costs for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, such as training, travel, coaching, equipment, and health care, ensuring that our climbers have what they need to succeed at the highest levels.
These are world-class competitors operating on tight margins. The Foundation exists to remove the financial friction between talent and the top step of the podium.
What your gift funds
- Elite training time and professional coaching
- Travel to World Cups, World Championships, and the Games
- Equipment, sports medicine, and athlete health care
Youth development
The pipeline starts young
Every Olympian was once a kid on their first wall. American climbing’s future depends on meeting a surge of young talent with real structure.
USA Climbing supports athletes at all levels. With over 10,000+ youth competitors in 2024 and over 350+ USA Climbing sanctioned events, there is a growing interest in the sport. We continue to expand our programs and initiatives to meet this need. With support from our donors, we are able to provide additional educational opportunities to coaches, parents, and gyms to help support athletes from their first moment on the wall through their next competition.
Invest early and a sport compounds. Every young climber we support today is a future competitor, coach, routesetter, or lifelong part of the community.
What your gift funds
- Educational resources for coaches, parents, and gyms
- Support for 350+ sanctioned events each year
- Pathways from a first climb to a first podium
Education
Building the next generation of leaders
A growing sport needs a deep bench of skilled adults — the coaches, routesetters, and professionals who keep climbing safe, fair, and welcoming.
Education is at the heart of USA Climbing, with an emphasis on strengthening and expanding our educational opportunities to coaches, routesetters and industry professionals. In the coming years, we also plan to broaden our reach through youth engagement, especially in elementary schools. With donor support, we can develop the next generation of climbing leaders and ensure a safe, inclusive, and skilled climbing ecosystem.
Education is how the sport gets better at scale — and how we make sure the next climber to walk through the door is met by someone who knows how to welcome them.
What your gift funds
- Training and certification for coaches and routesetters
- Youth engagement reaching into elementary schools
- A safe, inclusive, and skilled climbing ecosystem
One gift. Every level of the sport.
From a six-year-old’s first climb to an Olympian’s final attempt, your support shows up where it matters.