Sportrock In Gaithersburg Hosting USA Climbing Team Trials

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The USA Climbing National Team Trials will be held at the Sportrock at Rio climbing facility in Gaithersburg through March 8. The Para Climbing National Championships will take place on March 9 and 10.

The USA Climbing National Team Trials will highlight three climbing disciplines —b oulder, lead and speed. The top two ranked U.S. athletes after the conclusion of the event will join those who have already been selected to the U.S. National Team.

Athletes from this newly formed national team will compete in the International Federation of Sport Climbing World Cup Circuit with the opportunity of competing at the Olympic qualifying series in an effort to fill the two remaining Olympic spots for Team USA.

Rock climbing made its Olympic debut in 2020 and interest continues to grow.

Three of the nation’s top climbers to watch at the USA Climbing National Team Trials at Rio are Noah Bratschi, 23, from Potomac, who regularly works out at Sportrock; Emma Hunt, 20, who has already qualified for the Paris Olympics and holds the American women’s speed record; and Kyra Condie, 27, who competed in the 2020 Olympic games and is hoping to make the team this year.

“These climbers are all amazing to watch,” said Jeff Shor, director of marketing for Sportrock Climbing Centers. “This sport requires an amount of skill, stamina, balance and strength like no other.”

On Wednesday, March 6, Lead Semi-Finals climbing begins at 10 a.m. with finals at 6 p.m. Boulder climbing competition takes place on Thursday, March 7 in the afternoon with semi-finals from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and finals at 6 p.m.

The 2024 Paraclimbing National Championships take place on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10. The top three ranked U.S. athletes per gender in each category will go on to represent the U.S. as part of the Paraclimbing National Team.

“We are delighted to host these high-profile national championships at Rio,” said Laurie Yankowski, regional director of marketing for Peterson Companies, owners and managers of Rio.

Tickets are available for spectators on the National Team Trials/Paraclimbing Nationals website and range from $15-$20 for the National Team Trials and free to $20 for the Paraclimbing Nationals.

Sportrock is located 9811 Washingtonian Blvd. in Gaithersburg.