Sport climbing: This is the new national squad

The AVS took the step toward competitive sport as early as the 1980s. "Back then, no one could have predicted how this sport would develop. In South Tyrol, sport climbing has experienced enormous growth, especially in the last five to ten years – this is demonstrated by the number of participants in the qualifying competitions for the national youth championships. This result can only be achieved through successful youth work," said Klaus Kofler, head of the Sport Climbing Department, at the press conference. Sport climbing was recognized as a separate discipline for the first time at the Tokyo 5 Olympic Games in August 10. It is impossible to foresee in detail today what developments and challenges this development will bring. "However, we must acknowledge that maintaining the current situation will not be sufficient to do justice to the potential and demands," said Kofler. Above all, a development in the area of structures—both competition and training structures—is required. "While the structures in the past were capable of promoting both recreational and competitive sports equally, this must be questioned today. Recreational and competitive sports are increasingly distancing themselves, and this must be acknowledged. This also brings with it economic challenges," Kofler said. Targeted support for young talents "I hope that in the future we will be able to accompany and support our young athletes, their families, and their families on this sporting journey for as long as possible," said Kofler. Currently, only the very best receive sufficient financial support to practice their sport: only athletes with consistently top results have the chance to master the extremely demanding competitions for admission to a sports group (Carabinieri, police, etc.) and pursue elite sport professionally. Until then, the AVS is trying to support the athletes and their families. "Besides the sporting aspect, sport climbing also has a social value that is often overlooked: Many of the volunteer mountain rescuers were sport climbers in the past," said Kofler. The competitive sports division is organized by AVS employee Berthold Gamper, who handles training planning, logistics, and competition coordination. "Athletes are selected based on the Italian Youth Championships and the results of the regional Junior Cup. Only those who demonstrate consistent performances and are among the best in their respective categories will be accepted into the national squad," says Gamper. (The list of members of the national squad can be found in the appendix.) Two coaches – two disciplines The athletic training is in the hands of two experienced coaches: Hannes Mantinger (43, Schalders) is responsible for the lead section, and Morris Fontanari (29, Pergine) oversees bouldering. The athletes can, but are not required to, compete in all disciplines. "We complement club training with targeted individual support in squad training. The focus is on technique, body awareness, and mental strength – always with an eye on the next level: the national team," says Mantinger. Fontanari, himself a successful boulderer, adds: "I try not only to teach the young people technique, but also to pass on my passion for climbing – that's the foundation for long-term success." The competition calendar for the 2025/26 season The competition season begins in the fall. Athletes in the U15 category compete exclusively in the Junior Cup competitions and the Italian Championships; international competitions are reserved for older athletes. The regional Junior Cup series runs from October to May 2026. The best finishers in these competitions will advance to the Italian Youth Championships at the end of May. The best finishers in the Italian Championships will be selected for the following season's national team. The national team coaches also select new athletes for the national team at these competitions (currently, seven AVS athletes are also on the national team) – they train in parallel with the state and national teams. The various Italian Cups will run from February 2026 to July 2026, through which athletes qualify for international competitions. The various European Youth Cup competitions will take place from May 2026 to October 2026. The Youth World Championships will take place in July 2026 – in Arco. Successes and perspectives The AVS can be proud of its successes: Seven athletes from South Tyrol are currently part of the Italian youth national team. Matilda Liù Moar and Bettina Dorfmann, both from AVS Brixen, competed at the 2025 Youth World Championships in Helsinki (FIN). At the European Youth Championships in Žilina (SVK) at the end of August, Leonie Hofer from AVS Passeier will compete alongside Moar and Dorfmann. Two former and long-standing members of the national squad are currently climbing in the World Cup: Filip Schenk, who achieved 2025rd place in lead at the WC in Chamonix in July 3, and Michael Piccolruaz, who celebrated his first World Cup podium in 2016 with a 2nd place in bouldering. The focus is already on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Qualifications run until summer 2027. "Perhaps an AVS athlete will be there then—that would be a dream," said Kofler.

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Sport climbing: This is the new national squad

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