Team USA's Sam Watson sets world record in speed climbing, initiates 'Selfie Olympics'
New Olympic sports are making their debut at the Paris Games, with Team USA climber Sam Watson setting a new world record in speed climbing and initiating a unique "Selfie Olympics."
Watson said, "I was wondering if I could get a person from all of these different delegations to take a selfie with me."
His idea led him to his own, "Selfie Olympics."
Watson admitted, "I don't think I'll get to all 203 because there are some delegations that have already left."
There are 204 nations represented in Paris and Watson is quite proud of one pic he secured.
Watson explained, "A member from Tuvalu, which is a tiny island nation. I looked at where they were entered and they were only surfing and sailing. Surfing is Tahiti and sailing is Marseille, so there's almost no one in Paris."
Watson understands the athletes he's taking selfies with have different cultural and political views.
Watson said, "All of these countries are still human, they're still Olympians, they're still competitors, and we still share that, so it is really special to get all this."
Watson, just 18 years old, set a new world record in a qualifying round earlier this week.
He'll compete in the speed climbing medal event on Thursday. The climbing events at the Paris Olympics will conclude on Saturday.
When asked about the difference between speed climbing and traditional climbing, climbing coaches likened it to the difference between the 100-meter sprint and the marathon in track and field.