The International Federation of Sport Climbing -IFSC- continues its educational programme to raise awareness among athletes, this time focusing on health during the Youth World Championships taking place in Helsinki. Competitors and national team officials took part in a seminar centred on nutrition and energy availability—key topics in the development of young climbers.

The training session, organised by the IFSC itself, highlighted the importance of proper fuelling and the risks associated with low energy availability, known as REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). The talk was led by Karen Halsell, a member of the IFSC Medical and Anti-Doping Commission, who has spent years researching and sharing knowledge about this issue within the climbing community.

Warning signs, myths and practical meal planning

The IFSC is the first international sports body to implement a specific REDs policy, including screening at competitions. During the session, Halsell outlined what REDs is, how it can affect both performance and long-term health, and what warning signs are most common among young athletes.

Next, Edward Gibson-Smith, a UK-based nutritionist specialising in climbing, gave a practical talk on sports nutrition. “He emphasised the importance of food and hydration,” the organisation said. His presentation included example meal plans for both training and competition days, and he addressed several common myths about nutrition in elite sport.

Practical advice for “before, during and after” competition

Among the attendees was Kim Mitchell, team leader and physiotherapist for the USA, who spoke highly of the session: “It was an excellent presentation; there was a lot of information. The nutritionist gave many great details about how to fuel your body before, during and after competitions.”

Mitchell also pointed out how well the initiative was received: “I think it’s very important we do these kinds of things at youth competitions. The room was pretty much full, so it was very well received, I think.”

The IFSC has announced plans to further expand these educational initiatives at its official events. In doing so, it reinforces a holistic approach to athlete wellbeing—one that goes beyond physical performance to include mental health, nutrition, and medical prevention from the earliest competitive levels