Speed climbers Julian David and Sarah Tetzlaff from Tauranga have been training for years, waiting for their sport to be included in the Olympic Games. Their patience has finally paid off, as they will be competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which will take place from July 26 to August 11.
The two athletes are thrilled to be the first ones selected for the NZ speed climbing team. Sarah, who started climbing 12 years ago, never thought she would have the opportunity to compete in the Olympics. Now, her dream is about to come true.
Julian, 19, has been dreaming of the Olympics since he was seven. He tried different sports including swimming, biking, running, and football before finally choosing climbing.
Speed climbing involves athletes racing to ascend a climbing wall as quickly as possible. Julian and Sarah competed in World Cups last year and qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after winning their divisions at the Oceania qualification tournament in Melbourne.
Sarah says the last two years of training have transformed her into a more confident person. She is thrilled that her hard work has resulted in an Olympic spot. Julian, on the other hand, is going to the Olympics without any expectations to avoid pressure. He is, however, feeling confident.
Julian loves the adrenaline rush he gets from speed climbing, especially when he achieves a good time. Sarah is proud to be in a position where she can inspire the next generation of climbers. They are both excited to see the sport grow in New Zealand and can’t wait for people to watch their amazing sport at the Olympics.
