bouldering

sport

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Bouldering is a sport that involves rock climbing on large boulders or low cliffs. It is a form of free climbing, meaning progress is determined solely by the climber's strength and movement. Sport climbing, which includes bouldering, emphasizes the physical challenge of the climb itself rather than the destination.12

Bouldering became an official Olympic event at the 2020 Tokyo Games as one of three disciplines, alongside speed and lead climbing. For the Paris 2024 Games, bouldering and lead climbing will be combined into a single competition.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Natalia Grossman
…of the leading competitors in bouldering. A standout from an early age, Grossman won her first world championship in 2021 at age 20. She also has excelled in lead climbing and competes in combined and speed events.
Read More
…of the leading competitors in bouldering. A standout from an early age, Grossman won her first world championship in 2021 at age 20. She also has excelled in lead climbing and competes in combined and speed events.
Read More