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Leslie Romero: From Paris 2024 to a Promising Future in Speed Climbing

Spanish climber Leslie Romero made her Olympic debut at Paris 2024, achieving a spot in the finals of the newly standalone speed climbing event. Overcoming a challenging qualifying journey, Romero expressed joy and motivation from her experience, looking ahead to LA28 while aiming to inspire the next generation of climbers in Spain. Madrid is set to host an upcoming test event for a new speed climbing format, further exemplifying her commitment to the sport.

Leslie Romero, a Spanish climber originally from Venezuela, recently made headlines by successfully debuting in the speed climbing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This occasion marked the first time that speed climbing was featured as a standalone event; Romero advanced to the finals and secured an Olympic diploma, an impressive achievement considering her tumultuous journey toward qualification. After overcoming eligibility disputes that delayed her ability to represent Spain, she earned her spot for the Olympics during the final moments of the qualifying series in Budapest earlier this year. Romero recalls her Olympic experience as exhilarating and transformative. In a recent interview with Olympics.com, she expressed the emotional weight lifted off her shoulders upon confirming her qualification for Paris. She noted, “It’s been a tough season and a very intense year full of emotions. Trying to secure the Olympic spot, I was living with a lot of uncertainty… finally securing my place for Paris meant so much to me.” Instead of feeling a post-Olympic letdown, Romero finds herself inspired and ready to embark on the journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. “The Games were the best thing that could have happened to me… just being there was already an accomplishment, and whatever I did in the competition, it was fine. But to make it to the finals and earn an Olympic diploma felt like receiving a pat on the back: ‘You did it after all that hard work and sacrifice.'” Her experience in Paris has ignited a passion within her to cultivate the future of speed climbing in Spain. While Spain has seen a surge in popularity for sport climbing following the success of Alberto Ginés López at Tokyo 2020, speed climbing remains less recognized. Romero aspires to inspire the next generation of athletes in her discipline and hopes that recent successes will enhance the visibility of speed climbing. In a significant development for the sport, Madrid has been selected to host an upcoming test event for a new four-lane speed climbing format in October 2024. Romero expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “For me, it’s a privilege and an honour to have it held here in Madrid. It’s going to be quite a unique experience. Many international climbers will be coming, the fastest in the world…”

Leslie Romero’s ascent in the sport of climbing comes against a backdrop of challenges, including eligibility disputes that nearly thwarted her Olympic aspirations. Over the past few years, sport climbing, particularly after its Olympic debut, has gained substantial traction in Spain, notably with the triumph of young athlete Alberto Ginés López. However, speed climbing is still in the developmental stages of popularization. Romero is not only focused on her athletic goals but is also committed to cultivating interest and participation in this discipline among youth.

Leslie Romero’s journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics has not only marked a significant personal milestone but also serves as a catalyst for the promotion of speed climbing in Spain. Her experiences have filled her with motivation for the future, particularly as she sets her sights on Los Angeles 2028. By aspiring to inspire others and contribute to the growth of her sport, Romero exemplifies the spirit of determination and community engagement that defines a true athlete.

Original Source: olympics.com

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