Molly Thompson-Smith takes part in BBC’s Young Reporter festival
4 years ago
United States Kai Lightner is a professional rock climber who has achieved national and international titles, transitioning into an advocate for diversity and inclusion in outdoor sports.
Kai Lightner founded this nonprofit organization which facilitates pathways to increase BIPOC representation within the climbing community and the great outdoors. It partners with brands, climbing gyms, and existing organizations.
Kai Lightner is a sponsored athlete for Arc'teryx, a brand that expands its global climb athlete team to strengthen its commitment to the climbing community.
Kai Lightner is a sponsored athlete for Evolv Worldwide, a company that produces climbing shoes and gear.
Kai Lightner is a sponsored athlete for Petzl, a company that provides climbing equipment.
Kai Lightner previously had a sponsorship relationship with Adidas. He partnered with 1Climb to secure a $100,000 donation from Adidas for building climbing facilities.
Kai Lightner, born on August 21, 1999, began his climbing career at the age of six. His initial experience involved climbing a 50-foot flagpole in Fayetteville, North Carolina. This led his mother to enroll him in a local climbing gym. At the age of 10, Lightner secured his first youth sport climbing national championship. His competitive success continued, and by 13, he completed his first 5.14c/8C+ route, Southern Smoke. At 14, he became the Youth World Champion in his age category (14-15), making him the first American to win a Youth American Lead World Championship since 1995. The following year, at 15, he achieved the title of Open Lead Climbing National Champion in his first year of eligibility, and also climbed Era Vella (5.14d/9a).
Throughout his career, Lightner has accumulated a total of 12 National Championships (2 adult; 10 youth), 5 Pan American Championships (1 adult; 4 youth), and 1 Youth World Championship. He is also recognized for five Youth World Championship Medals. His outdoor climbing achievements include routes such as Ciudad de Dios (5.14d/5.15a) and Direct Into Your Fabelita (5.14d) in Santa Linya, Spain, as well as Death of Villains (5.15a) and Life of Villains (5.14d) in Hurricave, Utah. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Lightner has engaged in freelance writing and public speaking. He has also been featured in documentaries, including Reel Rock 11’s “Young Guns” in 2016 and Reel Rock 19 in 2025.
After graduating high school as valedictorian and enrolling at Babson College, Lightner founded the nonprofit organization Climbing for Change (C4C) in the summer of 2020. The organization aims to increase BIPOC representation in the climbing community and outdoor spaces by providing opportunities and connecting underserved communities with relevant organizations. His work with C4C reflects his commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the climbing and outdoor adventure industries.
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