Chris Sharma

Chris Sharma is a world-renowned rock climber who has significantly influenced the sport, recognized for his groundbreaking ascents and diverse climbing achievements. After winning the adult 1996 US Open Bouldering Nationals, Chris Sharma swiftly established himself as a prodigious talent. In 1997, he achieved the first free ascent of ‘Necessary Evil’ (5.14c) in the Virgin River Gorge, then North America’s hardest sport climb. The same year, he earned a silver medal at the UIAA World Championships in Paris and secured gold at the Kranj leg of the UIAA World Cup.

He subsequently achieved first ascents of ‘El Bon Combat’ (9b/9b+, 2015) and ‘Alasha’ (9a DWS, 2016). Sharma is also the founder of Sender One climbing gyms in Santa Ana, California, and Sharma Climbing BCN and Gava in Barcelona, Spain. Most recently, in 2023, he completed the first redpoint of ‘Sleeping Lion’ (9b+/5.15c) in Siurana.