Stefano Ghisolfi

Stefano Ghisolfi was born on February 18, 1993, in Turin, Italy. He discovered climbing at the age of 11, quickly developing a passion that led him to the renowned climbing town of Arco in northern Italy, where he still resides. His early experiences in rock climbing laid the groundwork for a distinguished career, blending competitive sport climbing with outdoor free ascentchallenges. He made his IFSC debut in 2007, marking the beginning of his competitive journey. Ghisolfi’s career is characterized by his consistent performance and his ability to excel in both the technical demands of competition climbing and the raw challenges of natural rock faces.

Ghisolfi transitioned from a promising junior competitor to a prominent figure in the adult circuit. He secured his first World Cup medal in 2012 in Xining, China. His competitive achievements include multiple World Cup gold medals, culminating in winning the Lead World Cup in 2021. Beyond the competition scene, Ghisolfi has established himself as one of the world’s leading outdoor climbers. He has made significant first ascents and repetitions of some of the sport’s most difficult routes, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. His notable ascents include routes like ‘Perfecto Mundo’ (9b+), ‘Change’ (9b+), ‘Bibliographie’ (9b+), and the first ascent of ‘Excalibur’ (9b+), which he completed in his hometown of Arco. These accomplishments demonstrate his sustained dedication and skill over two decades.

His career has also involved balancing various roles, including being a Ninja Warrior contestant, a photographer, and a policeman. This multifaceted approach reflects a broad range of interests alongside his climbing pursuits. Ghisolfi’s focus on mental strength, often describing himself as “Zen” during competitions, has been a key factor in his longevity and consistent performance in a demanding sport. He has continuously sought new challenges, from outdoor rock faces to significant Olympic aspirations, aiming to compete at the Olympic Games after not qualifying for Tokyo.