Julia Chanourdie

Julia Chanourdie is a professional rock climber from France, recognized for her achievements in competition lead climbing and sport climbing, including being the second woman in history to climb a 9b (5.15b) route. After achieving her first international podium finish at the World Youth Championships in 2013 with a bronze medal in lead climbing, Julia Chanourdie quickly established herself as a formidable force in professional rock climbing. She continued her impressive youth career by securing additional bronze medals in lead climbing at the IFSC World Youth Championships in both 2014 and 2015, alongside a bronze at the IFSC European Youth Championship in 2014. Her transition to the senior international stage was marked by a strong 5th place finish at her first Lead World Cup final in Puurs, Belgium, in 2015.

Leading into her Olympic debut, she continued to push the boundaries of sport climbing, making international headlines in March 2020 by becoming only the fourth woman in history to climb above the demanding grade of 9a+ (5.15a) with her ascent of ‘Super Crackinette.’ Her most historic feat followed on November 7, 2020, when she became only the second woman ever to successfully climb a 9b (5.15b) route, ‘Eagle–4,’ located in Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux, France. This monumental accomplishment solidified her status as one of the sport’s all-time elite performers. Chanourdie represented France at the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021, competing in the Combined event where she secured a respectable 13th place finish. Her consistent high-level performance across youth, senior, and outdoor competitions, culminating in historic ascents and Olympic representation, firmly places Julia Chanourdie at the forefront of global rock climbing talent, celebrated for her trailblazing achievements and dedication to pushing the limits of the sport.