salt lake city — A sport that features DJs, electric crowds, and plenty of emotion is sure to be popular.
And nine-year-old Ivan Fenis wasn't happy about it.
“I don't know, but it's really fun,” he said.
Despite living nearly four hours away due to the hurricane, Ivan convinced his mother and a friend to take him to Salt Lake City just to watch Saturday's World Cup climbing event.
“He started climbing about three years ago and now he plans to start climbing competitively,” said Ivan's mother, Jussi Fenis.
The International Sport Climbing Federation World Cup was held Saturday at USA Climbing's training center. And it's the perfect place to start that dream while watching the world's best sports climbers.
“It's amazing. That's amazing. The talent is just unreal,” said Jussi Fenis. “Very cool.”
Many climbers representing multiple countries will participate in this event. These climbers are also scheduled to compete at this summer's Paris Olympics.
Stops only in the US
This year, Salt Lake City is the only World Cup venue to be held in the United States.
Most of the events are held in Europe and Asia. But as the sport continues to grow in Utah, so do the crowds that come to watch, especially since USA Climbing is based in Salt Lake City.
“It's very exciting,” said Zach Cartner. “I'd say it's a 10 out of 10 for the atmosphere. The excitement is through the roof.”
Saturday was the first time Cartner attended such an event.
He also lives in Hurricane and his daughter Marley needed to be here too.
“She's been talking about it for months,” Carter said. “She's interested in competitive rock climbing and she loves watching things like this on TV, so she's really excited to be here in person.”
Fans from all over the world watched the climbing competition.
You never know who in the audience will be inspired to become America's next Olympian in mountaineering.
Maybe it's Ivan.
“He said, 'I'd love to do this someday.' And I thought, 'Hey, it would be great to come out here and watch you,'” Jussie Fennis said. I did. “We're having a great time here.”
Competition continues on Sunday, and the Paraclimbing World Cup will be held in Salt Lake City on May 6th and 7th.
