Islamabad (Sport Desk): The second of the three IFSC Para Climbing World Cup’s kicks off in Innsbruck, Austria with 236 athletes registered to take part across the 20 sport classes.
Para Climbing has been going from strength to strength of late with new nations joining the ranks. At the first event of the year in Salt Lake City, USA El Salvador were welcomed to the competition, and in the biggest turnout of the year so far, Iceland will be added to the country list of starters.
Gauti Stefánsson will be the first for his nation to compete in the men’s AL2 and will go up against climbers such as France’s Thierry Delarue and the USA pair of Corey Ramos and Ethan Zilz who were all on the podium in Salt Lake City.
Although not attending this time around, the climbers from El Salvador were not only making history for their nation, they also witnessed it as Belgium’s Pavitra Vandenhoven made the first mixed podium at the event. Vandenhoven took bronze behind two climbers who will be looking to repeat their medal winning exploits on home soil – Austria’s Angelino Zeller and Markus Pösendorfer.
Talking about the Salt Lake City event Vandenhoven said: “It was such an exciting experience! At first, I didn’t really know what to expect. The men are incredibly strong – many of them are my climbing idols – so to be on the same team and to compete as one category group for the first time was just amazing. I admire them so much, and it felt really special to share that podium moment together.”
Looking deeper into her emotions and feelings at the time the Belgian said: “In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. They’re so talented at what they do, and I have nothing but respect for that.
“I did feel a little nervous – not because we were one category, but more because, as a woman, I wanted to prove that I deserved to be there too. I wanted to show that women are not weaker or less capable – we bring strong competition and have just as much to offer. That was important to me.”
Looking more at the present and the Innsbruck event Vandenhoven said: “I’m really excited for Innsbruck! It’s always a special competition with a great atmosphere and a strong field of athletes. I’m looking forward to being there and giving it everything I’ve got.”
