Capovilla targets strong finish after being "on fire" in 2026
The fifth and final Para Series event of 2026 concludes the Asian doubleheader in Fukuoka, where athletes will have one last chance to make their mark before an even bigger season in 2027
The World Climbing Para Series 2026 reaches its conclusion in Fukuoka, Japan, on 5 and 6 November, as 176 athletes representing 23 nations and four continents, gather at Chikuhou Ryokuchi Park for the fifth and final event of the season.
The competition marks the second half of the Asian doubleheader that will bring the 2026 campaign to a close, following the Series’ first visit to South Korea for the event in Gunsan on 29 and 30 October. After opening the season in Salt Lake City, USA, the Para Series travelled to Innsbruck, Austria; and Laval, France; now arriving in Japan for one last opportunity to compete for medals.
FUKUOKA BRINGS THE 2026 SEASON TO A CLOSE
Following four events across three continents, Fukuoka will provide the final stage for athletes competing across 19 sport classes, with 72 women and 104 men expected to take on the Lead wall.
With the top of the Para Climbing ranking tables still to be decided, the season finale promises another opportunity for athletes to finish the campaign on a high note.
Among those looking forward to the challenge is Lucia Capovilla of Italy, currently at the top of the women’s Lead AL2 world ranking, who arrives in Japan after an especially successful campaign and a return to the top step of the podium in Laval.
“I’m excited as always! Having the opportunity to travel so far for not one but two competitions is an honour. I can’t wait to see how it goes, having two competitions so close together, although at the same time I feel that it’s the end of the season and I need some rest!” Capovilla said.
CAPOVILLA ENJOYS A SEASON OF CHANGE AND SUCCESS
For the Italian, the 2026 season has been one of personal and sporting progress, with a series of changes away from the competition wall helping her move towards the goals she has set for herself.
“Absolutely, I think I’ve been on fire this year! The various changes that have taken place in my life are taking me in the direction I want to go,” she explained.
After returning to the top of the podium this season, Capovilla credits a change in her training environment and the people around her for helping her find a new approach to both her physical and mental preparation.
“I left the team I used to train with and started working with private coaches who are a better fit for me,” she said.
The Italian believes that the results achieved this year are only the beginning of a longer journey. Having officially joined the police sports corps, she will also have more time available to dedicate to her training and competitive ambitions.
“I believe this year has only been the start of the journey, and what we’ll build next year will be even better, given the time I’ll now have available as I’ve officially joined the Italian police sports group.”
With a renewed training environment and a successful season behind her, Capovilla is already looking forward to taking this approach into the next campaign.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027 AND LA28
The conclusion of the 2026 season will not mean a long wait before the international Para Climbing circuit gets underway again. World Climbing has already unveiled its 2027 international competition calendar, featuring an unprecedented programme for the discipline.
Five World Climbing Para Series events in Manchester, Innsbruck, Los Angeles, Catania and Toulouse will be joined by the World Climbing Para Climbing Championship in Brno, Czechia, bringing the total number of top-level international competitions to six – the largest programme in the sport’s history.
For Capovilla, the calendar is already firmly in her plans, with one particular competition standing out above the rest.
“Of course, the calendar is already in sync with mine! Obviously, the most eagerly awaited event will be the World Championships, not only for the magnificent experience they always bring, but above all for the chance to secure the first three places for LA28!”
The World Climbing Championship in Brno, scheduled from 13 to 21 August 2027, will be a particularly important milestone, as Para Climbing athletes in specific sport classes will have their first opportunity to qualify for the Paralympic Games LA28.
With the sport preparing for its Paralympic debut, the 2027 calendar represents another major step forward for Para Climbing, building on a 2026 season that has already set new records in both the number of competitions and the size of the participating fields.
NEXT UP
The World Climbing Para Series Fukuoka 2026 will kick off with qualifications split into two sessions, the first starting at 9:00 (UTC+9:00), and the second beginning at 16:30 to close out day one. Day two will feature all finals, starting at 10:00.
