Filip Schenk fights for the Olympic ticket. © IFS Climbing

Schenk’s Olympic hopes: The first step has been taken

This weekend, the so-called Olympia Qualifier Series (OQS) will take place in Budapest (Hungary), where athletes in numerous disciplines have the last chance to qualify for the Summer Games in Paris. Among them is a South Tyrolean: Filip Schenk

June 20, 2024

From: leo

In Budapest, athletes from the disciplines of sport climbing, BMX, breakdance and skateboarding are fighting for the last remaining tickets. From a South Tyrolean perspective, the former discipline is of particular interest, as Filip Schenk from St. Christina still has a realistic chance of making it to the Olympics. The process of qualifying for Paris is extremely complicated.

In contrast to the Tokyo edition, two sets of medals will be awarded in France: one in the speed discipline, which is all about pure speed. The other gold medal will be awarded in the combination of lead and bouldering. Schenk is trying his luck as an excellent lead climber in the latter discipline. Nine athletes have already secured their ticket, and ten more are up for grabs, as the climbing association has introduced a so-called Universality Place for athletes from disadvantaged countries. Important: Each nation is only allowed to send two athletes to the start, which could play into the hands of the Val Gardena athlete.

On Friday the parade discipline

The last ten places will be determined at the OQS. This is divided into two events. The one in Shanghai took place in mid-May, with the best athlete receiving 50 points. Schenk finished 17th and collected 24 points. However, there are three Frenchmen ahead of him, only one of whom will start in Paris. The aim is to collect as many points as possible this weekend in Budapest in order to end up in the top 10.

Schenk took the first step on Thursday, finishing 18th in the boulder qualification, which qualified him for the semi-finals of the top 20. The man from St. Christina did not overcome this hurdle in Shanghai. The competition continues on Friday in Schenk's flagship discipline, lead climbing. Reaching the semi-finals is a must if he wants to go to Paris. The second South Tyrolean sport climber, Michael Piccolruaz, is not competing in Budapest.