Sasha DiGiulian reaches for a hold during an expedition to summit the Pico Cão Grande volcanic peak on São Tomé island.
© Savannah Cummins
Climbing

8 climbers who are crushing the sport

These climbers are taking their achievements to new heights, beating 'unbeatable' challenges and setting their sights on a legacy of success.
Written by Mandy Burkholder
3 min readPublished on
From becoming the fastest Speed Climber in America to smashing the competition in Hachioji and leading an all-women’s project in Africa, take note of these eight climbers. Whether they're competing in Lead, Bouldering, Combined, Speed Climbing or hitting the great outdoors, their feats are truly inspiring.
Read on to see what they’ve been up to, then tune into Reel Rock Season 7 on Red Bull TV for an even deeper look into the world of rock climbing.
01

Adam Ondra

21 min

Age of Ondra part 1

Czech Republic's Adam Ondra has set out to be the best climber in every aspect, and he has achieved that.

English +11

Known as one of the most accomplished rock climbers of all time, Adam Ondra has conquered everything from being the first person to climb 9b+ and 9c routes to earning gold and silver medals for Lead, Bouldering, and Combine at World Cup events. Keep up with Ondra’s most recent projects on Reel Rock Season 5 and mission to make it as the world’s best.
02

Shauna Coxsey

Shauna Coxsey in bouldering action.

Shauna Coxsey has been climbing since the age of four

© Rick Guest

Shauna Coxsey is the most accomplished competition climber in Great Britain’s history – and she’s about to add even more merit to her title. After competing in the 2019 World Climbing Championships, Coxsey landed a bronze medal in the Combined event.
03

Alex Megos

6 min

The Alex Megos Formula

The Alex Megos Formula

English +1

While clocking in at just 23 years old, Alex Megos is one of the best known climbers in the world. The German has earned a few titles – like taking Silver at the Bouldering European Championships in 2017 – at his young age, but he’s since taken a turn towards outdoor adventures. Megos is the first person to climb a 9a route on sight, with no prior research or beta information provided.
04

Janja Garnbret

Janja Garnbret (SLO) is seen during the IFSC Climbing World Championships Combined Final in Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan on August 20, 2019.

Janja Garnbret won all three events at Hachioji

© Suguru Saito/Red Bull Content Pool

Watch the full story behind Garnbret's perfect season in Reel Rock:
05

Claire Buhrfeind

Claire Buhrfeind poses for a portrait in Santa Monica, CA, USA on 31 July, 2019.

Claire Buhrfeind is climbing beyond her years

© Marv Watson/Red Bull Content Pool

This up-and-coming climber is just 21 years old, but has an impressive resume for her age. After an injury left her sidelined for the winter season, the four-time US Open National is recovering and working hard on achieving a spot on the US Team.
06

Ashima Shiraishi

Ashima Shiraishi as seen climbing the Flatanger Cave in Flatanger, Norway.

Ashima Shiraishi climbs Norway's Flatanger Cave

© Brett Lowell

Ashima Shiraishi exploded into the climbing scene at just 13 years old after becoming the youngest person in history to boulder a V14 problem, Golden Shadow. And in February of 2019, at just 18 years old, she won gold at the Bouldering National Championships.
07

John Brosler

As soon as Speed Climbing was announced in Tokyo, John Brosler knew earning a spot on the American team was his next goal. He’s well on his way to achieving that dream – Brosler recently earned 8th place at the IFSC Chamonix World Cup, the highest American placement in the Speed Climbing competition.
08

Sasha DiGiulian

9 min

Sasha DiGiulian Rock Climbing in Sardinia, Italy

Sasha DiGiulian and Edu Marin climb the Viaje de los Locos route in Sardinia, Italy.

Part of this story

Janja Garnbret

Widely considered the greatest competition climber of all time, Slovenia's Janja Garnbret is a 10-time world champion across several disciplines.

SloveniaSlovenia

Sasha DiGiulian

American climber Sasha DiGiulian has made a career of overcoming the odds, with more than 30 first female ascents to her name.

United StatesUnited States

Shauna Coxsey

Britain's most successful competitive climber, Shauna Coxsey, was also crowned the UK's first-ever overall winner of the Bouldering World Cup series.

United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Reel Rock

This visually stunning series follows the world's top climbers, alpinists and mountaineers to the wildest places on earth in their pursuit of the next big adventure.

9 Seasons · 69 episodes