Italy hosts 2026 Arco climbing world youth championships and Mediterranean Games in Taranto

The 2026 World Youth Climbing Championships were held in Arco, Italy, featuring eight days of competition with 759 athletes from 68 delegations and an estimated 10,000 spectators. The Italian team secured two medals in the Under‑19 category: silver for Andrea Ludovico Chelleri in Lead and bronze for Matteo Reusa in Boulder.

From 21 August to 3 September 2026, the Mediterranean Games will take place in Taranto and other venues across Puglia. The Italian delegation, organized by CONI and led by mission chief Alessio Palombi, includes 498 athletes, among them five Olympic gold medalists such as sprinter Filippo Tortu and boxer Irma Testa, who will also serve as flag‑bearers at the opening ceremony. Twenty‑six athletes from the host region will compete on home soil.