Seems a bit presumptuous of the BMC to back this bid without properly asking the membership if they actually support it(apologies if they did ask properly and I’ve forgot/ didn’t notice). They are after all supposed to represent members’ interests. It seems to me an important question for the sport. It looks from the outside like the BMC trying to duck a difficult question by presenting support for the bid as a given, as fait accompli.
why is making something more popular always seen as a good thing?
As a BMC member I'm not too keen on this. The inevitable end result if successful will be even more people at the crag climbing wall
I must admit I'm apathetic or slightly swayed against climbing being an Olympic sport.I'm trying to think of another sport in the Olympics which has all the variables of climbing, i.e. some people are better on pinches/slopers/crimps, and if the crux of the routes revolves around a slopey volume some crimp monsters would struggle. I can only come up with the Marathon where they are potentially running on cobblestones, tarmac, and/or concrete. Personally I'd prefer a level playing field in the Olympics.
I'm trying to think of another sport in the Olympics which has all the variables of climbing, i.e. some people are better on pinches/slopers/crimps, and if the crux of the routes revolves around a slopey volume some crimp monsters would struggle.
They did. In 2009. The Area Meetings were consulted and it was then agreed to support it at the National Council.http://www.thebmc.co.uk/national-council-12-sept-meeting-report
I think it's cool that comps are growing and there's the possibility of comp climbing getting in the olympics. You lot are getting old.
I would say, dont worry, it'll blow over. From the experience of watching my first love xc mountain biking join in as an olympic sport, I dont think it will make a lot of difference either way. The only benefit is that it gives you a sport thats interesting to watch on the telly when the olympics is on.
Yes but why ?ie what are the reasons or supposed benefits ?
I can't remember a proper debate and vote back in 2009.
Assuming this is down to my shit memory and that this is what people really want then fair enough.
I just hope I'm wrong on all the other shit that it could lead to.
I dare say you won’t have to see the downsides when they happen either as they’ll be easily dismissed as the unavoidable consequences of the natural expansion of the sport. There will be no obvious cause and effect.