Today is the day – the official start of 2025 IFSC Youth World Championships taking place in Helsinki, Finland. After a dedicated week in Austria, training at the world renowned Kletterzentrum in Innsbruck, honing in on their skills, shaking out their nerves, and preparing themselves for the mental and physical demands of the competition to come; the day is finally here for the South African Youth Team.
This the first time that a Youth World Championship has been held in Finland and the competition kicks off (today: 28/07/2025) with the Under-19 (Youth A) Bouldering Qualifications at the Helsingin Kiipeilykeskus outdoor arena. Climbing today are the official team captains, Maia Davies and John Stucken. Alongside them we will also be keeping an eye out for Farron Smith and Roelf van der Merwe who will also take part in the first round of qualifications today.
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Maia Davies (top left), Farron Smith (top right), Roelf van der Merwe (bottom left), John Stucken (bottom right)
The Youth Worlds is set to run from 28 July and conclude with Speed finals on 3 August. To follow the local action, and cheer on your favourites, join the Helsinki Supporters group by clicking here. To access the competition schedule and start lists, please refer to the official event page. The IFSC has committed to only streaming the semi-final and final rounds of all the disciplines, which can be accessed through the IFSC YouTube channel.
Category Changes:
Unlike in previous years, the IFSC has changed their age categories. Instead of having three categories Under-15 (Youth B), Under-17 (Youth A), and Under-19 (Juniors), this year the competitors are divided into only Youth B and Youth A, with the age requirements for each being shifted up and the Juniors category falling away.
| Youth B | Youth A | Juniors | |
| Previous Years | 14-15 Years Old | 16-17 Years Old | 18-19 Years Old |
| 2025 | 15-16 Years Old | 17-18 Years Old | 19-20 Years Old |
While this shift may be giving last year’s Youth B athletes an opportunity to compete in this category for an extra year, this also means that some have missed out on a chance to compete as Junior for a second year. This change comes from the IFSC in an attempt to increase safeguarding in sport, by delaying the age of competitive eligibility. For more insight into this change refer to Canadian Climbing’s article.
Rule Changes
In addition to the category changes, this year the IFSC has also adopted an open isolation. This more flexible format allows athletes to watch other competitors climb right up until it is their turn. Whereas in previous years, once you entered isolation you would not be able to leave until you finished competing. The official team coaches will also be able to stand close to the wall and provide the athletes with beta during their boulder round, a change that was introduced for the first time last year. Though this may place some extra pressure on the National Coach, Nicholas Meinel, it does give our athletes the best opportunity to perform to their potential, as they have the insight and support of the coach throughout the rounds – including any key beta breaks!
Why the Youth World Championships Matter
Every year South Africa sends their top climbers to take part in the Youth World Championships, and while the competition (and walls) are steep, this is an opportunity for the upcoming youth to experience the international standard of climbing, make connections, be inspired, swap t-shirts, and most importantly, learn. South African climbing is still growing, but every year the standard improves and so does the quality and performance of our climbers. Each appearance on the international stage brings us closer to developing and growing South African climbing. By supporting and cheering on our team, we bring more awareness to the sport and pave the way for the next generation. We are already immensely proud of the team this year, and we wish them all the best as they take on the international stage! Be brave, stay focused, and try hard!
