Morphology of male World Cup and elite speed climbers

International climbers differ from national-level athletes by having lower fat mass, greater lean body mass, and greater skeletal breadth, including biacromial, humeral, and femoral widths. Both groups show substantial morphological differences compared to the general adult population. Differences in the breadth of the humerus and femur, as well as in biacromial width, may reflect specific adaptations to the load patterns typical of speed climbing. Athletes at the international level showed a more homogeneous somatic profile, indicating morphological optimization at the highest levels of performance. Traits considered important in other climbing disciplines were not found to be relevant in speed climbing. The results presented require verification in larger and more diverse groups of speed climbers. Nevertheless, with appropriate caution, they may serve as an initial reference point for talent identification and morphological optimization in speed climbing.