News Link: On February 12, the full session of the International Olympic Committee formally recognized the International Federation of Sport Climbing, two years after the ISCF was granted provisional recognition. This means climbing now can compete with other sports for entry to the Olympic Games — the first test will come in 2013, when the sports for the 2020 games will be decided.

 The IFSC represents three disciplines of climbing competitions: lead climbing, bouldering, and speed.

Planet Mountain has posted a good interview today with Marco Scolaris, who, as president of the IFSC, has spearheaded the push for climbing in the Olympics. Among other things, Scolaris said the 2011 and 2013 climbing world championships, in Arco, Italy, and Paris, France, respectively, will be crucial tests for the sport in the eyes of the International Olympic Committee.