Tokyo Olympic sports climbing medalist Akiyo Noguchi, 35, is hosting the "AKIYO’S DREAM with RYUGASAKI" sports climbing competition aimed at elementary and junior high school students. The event, co-sponsored with her hometown of Ryugasaki City, Ibaraki Prefecture, features over 200 participants and runs until March 16, 2025.
On March 15, 2025, the competition kicked off at the New Life Arena Ryugasaki, where elementary school students from the 3rd to 6th grades faced off on a climbing wall measuring 4.5 meters high and 28.8 meters wide. The event included multiple challenges set on this impressive structure, incorporating both preliminary rounds and finals.
Ryugasaki Mayor Isao Hagiwara opened the event, encouraging the young climbers with words of motivation, stating, "There will be Olympic athletes coming from here within 10 years. Please do your best!" His remarks generated excitement among the participants and spectators alike.
Noguchi expressed her enthusiasm for the competition, sharing her wish: "I would be happy if children would start climbing because of this competition." This sentiment reflected her dedication to nurturing the next generation of climbers.
During the first day, elementary students competed under the 'boulder' format, which ranks climbers based on the number of problems they successfully navigate on the wall. The preliminary round allowed competitors 1.5 hours to tackle eight different climbing problems, after which they transitioned to final rounds, where they had four minutes to complete each of four tasks.
Shota Hamamatsu, 10, from Nabari City, Mie Prefecture, secured the first place in the 3rd and 4th grade division, sharing, "I thought it looked difficult, but I was happy to climb them all." His excitement was echoed by fellow competitor Yuzuki Ishii, also 10, from Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, who stated, "I had fun and was pleased to win!"
Alongside the climbing events, a talk show featuring Akiyo Noguchi and other elite athletes, including her husband Tomoyaaki Mazaaki, 28, as well as Ai Mori, 21, is set to take place on March 16, 2025. The exchange aims to inspire and inform young athletes about competitive climbing and the possibilities it entails.
This talk show, scheduled for 1 p.m. on March 16, will allow participants and aspiring climbers to engage with the professionals behind the sport. Noguchi highlighted her aspirations, stating, "My next goal is to make climbing accessible at an early age through club activities, school classes, and lessons—there's potential here!"
Entry to the competition is free, making it accessible to the local community and helping bridge the gap between professional athletes and aspiring climbers. The involvement of elite athletes like Noguchi and Mazaaki showcases the support for grassroot initiatives aimed at promoting sports climbing.
The competition, which continues to grow and evolve, signifies not only the potential future of Ryugasaki's young athletes but also demonstrates Noguchi's commitment to cultivating the sport she loves among young generations. With the Olympic spirit alive and well, participants and observers alike remain hopeful for the bright futures of Japan's climbing prospects.
Competitions such as this one not only spark the interest of children but also strengthen community ties and stimulate interest and participation—a key aspect of cultivating future talent.