Community spirit, record runs and Olympic dreams fuel momentum for Australia’s

fastest-growing sport.

It was a weekend of camaraderie, action and pure adrenaline as athletes from across Australia and New

Zealand came together for the 2025 Australian Speed Championships in Melbourne, Victoria.

“Speed climbing is fast, electric and impossible not to get caught up in,” said Sport Climbing NSW

Vice President, Jodie Metaxiotis. “But what really stood out was the community – athletes

cheering each other on, celebrating PBs, and inspiring new climbers to give it a go.”

In a showcase of how far the sport has come in the region, NSW athletes brought home eight medals: 4

gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze, across Open, Masters and Youth divisions. Beyond the results, it was the

teamwork, encouragement, and shared energy that defined the event.

The Open A Men’s final delivered edge-of-your-seat excitement, with Aaron Mattes storming to the 2025

Australian Championship title in a personal best 6.249 seconds, narrowly defeating NSW teammate

Erasmus Darwin.

Hayden Barton – the current Australian record holder, who set the fastest qualification times of the

weekend and has been competing on the IFSC World Cup circuit – rounded out the podium in third, a

testament to NSW’s world-class pace and the strength of friendly rivalry.

NSW’s success didn’t stop there, with 1st and 2nd places in Australia for the Open Women, plus strong

results in U19 Female (2nd), U17 Male (1st) and Masters Male (1st) categories.

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, speed climbing is capturing imaginations across NSW –

a sport where athletes sprint head-to-head up a 15-metre wall in mere seconds, powered by precision,

explosive strength and nerves of steel.

The NSW community is growing fast, and everyone’s invited to be part of it.

“These results showcase the strength and spirit of our climbing community,” said Tara Davidson,

President of Sport Climbing NSW. “It’s inspiring to see athletes, volunteers, and gyms all working

together to build something that will carry momentum right through to Brisbane 2032.”

Sport Climbing NSW. ABN 95 831 733 551

Want to experience speed climbing?

Sport Climbing NSW invites everyone to experience the thrill of speed climbing at Fast Friday, held at

Elevate Climbing Gym, Villawood, on 5 December at 6:30 pm.

Fast Friday is a monthly, fun and free community event where every age and ability can sprint up the wall,

cheer each other on, and meet the NSW speed team in a welcoming, social environment.

Sport Climbing NSW also extends its thanks to the national body Sport Climbing Australia and the

incredible volunteers who made the national event possible.

Get involved. Get fast. Get ready for 2032.

Follow @sportclimbingnsw and @elevateclimbingvillawood on Instagram to keep updated on the

community and upcoming events.