Rope climbing

[citation needed] Also, enthusiasts in the Czech Republic resurrected the sport in 1993, and hold local and national competitions.

In almost all contests, athletes climbed for speed, starting from a seated position on the floor and using only the hands and arms.

However, at the 1896 Olympic games, competitors were ranked by both time and style (holding an L-position) on a rope so long (15 meters) that some climbers did not reach the top and were therefore excluded.

In all succeeding Olympics through the 1932 games, competitors were judged strictly by the time of ascent on a shorter rope.

The world record for the 20 foot climb was 2.8 seconds, first achieved by the American Don Perry in the 1950s.