Spanish climber Leslie Romero: Paris 2024 like "I was in a Disney movie", motivation for LA28
The Venezuelan-born Spanish climber reached the finals at Paris 2024, where speed climbing made its debut as a standalone event. She tells Olympics.com that her experience and "intense" qualifying journey has energised her for the next four years.
Sport Climbing
It's been a whirlwind two years for Leslie Romero.
The Spanish sport climber made her Olympic debut at Paris 2024 as speed climbing became a standalone medal event in its own right, reaching the final eight and obtaining an Olympic diploma in the process.
But she was very nearly not even in the French capital. Born in Venezuela, Romero was unable to compete internationally in 2022 as her eligibility to represent Spain – where her father is from – was disputed.
After she finally received clearance to wear the Spanish colours in competition, it took until the last moment at the Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest in June for her to confirm her spot in France.
After that rollercoaster, the 26-year-old was able to allow herself a moment to let all her emotions out as her qualification was confirmed.
Speaking exclusively to Olympics.com last week, Romero reflected: "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 because I really wanted to achieve it… finally securing my place for Paris meant so much to me.
"All that weight I’d been carrying, I was finally able to let it go. I felt at peace, having achieved the main goal, which was to be at the Olympic Games."
Leslie Romero motivated towards LA28 by Paris experience
Often, Olympians describe a comedown after big achievements of winning medals or setting new personal bests at the Olympic Games.
Not Leslie Romero. Having surpassed all her own expectations in reaching the finals at Le Bourget Climbing Venue, north of the French capital, Romero says she's found a new wind pushing her on for a brand new Olympic cycle.
"The Games were the best thing that could have happened to me, after all the hard work and everything I had dreamed of," she said.
"For 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.'"
Paris is known for, among other things, Disneyland – something Romero was quick to reference. "The entire experience in the Olympic Village was incredible; I felt like I was in a Disney movie the whole time. I enjoyed every moment.
"After this experience in Paris, I’m highly motivated to prepare for the next Olympic cycle, even though it’s still far away."
Yes, far from suffering the post-Olympics blues, Romero has already turned her sights onto the next Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
"A lot can happen in four years, but I thought to myself, ‘Why not?’
"I’m feeling really excited and motivated. This is the start of a new cycle, and it feels different. I’m happy with everything that has happened and eager to continue giving my best to achieve these results."
Building the future of speed climbing in Spain
Romero is aware that her discipline is not the most popular in Spain. While the popularity of sport climbing exploded in the country after then-17-year-old Alberto Ginés López became the sport's first male Olympic champion at Tokyo 2020 in 2021, speed climbing remains less in the limelight.
"My life goal, beyond qualifying to the Olympic Games, has always been to inspire others and to pave the way for the next generation of speed climbers," she shared.
"In Spain, this sport is still developing, gaining recognition, and (starting to be) valued. Of course, there’s still a lot to be done, but I hope that Spain’s representation at the Olympic Games and these results will serve as a push to keep improving speed climbing, and also to inspire that new generation of boys and girls to compete in a sport that’s not typical, that’s not conventional."
To that end, the International Federation of Sport Climbing has selected the Spanish capital Madrid, where Romero now lives, to play host to a test event for a new format of speed climbing.
Currently, speed climbing walls are built for two competitors to race side-by-side, with the winner moving on, but Madrid will host the IFSC Madrid 4 Speed event from 19-20 October 2024.
As the event name might suggest, for the first time, speed climbing competitors will compete across four lanes at a time, as a test version of the IFSC Speed Four Lanes event, with the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, People's Republic of China, seeing the full debut of the format.
"There will be four lanes, a bit like in athletics. This will help speed up the qualification process and give the audience more athletes to watch. I think it’ll make it more exciting," Romero explained.
"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, so it’ll be a really cool experience to watch and to be part of, and I’m excited that we’ll be hosting it."