Natalia Grossman, a standout figure in the climbing world, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination throughout her career. Despite a setback from an injury prior to the 2024 Olympics, the 23-year-old climber continues to forge ahead with relentless ambition.
Her journey to becoming one of the top climbers globally includes a gold medal at the Pan American Games in Santiago in 2023, but her performance in Paris was hindered by the injury, resulting in an 11th-place finish in the semifinals for both boulder and lead climbing events.
Grossman’s ascent to the top may seem rapid, but it is rooted in years of dedication and hard work. Her story, which began in 2020, reveals the depth of her commitment to the sport. As we explore her rise, it becomes clear that her achievements are a product of countless hours of practice and an unwavering passion for climbing.
Graduating from the University of Colorado-Boulder in 2022, Grossman has aspirations beyond climbing, aiming to become a therapist. In an interview at the Paris Olympics, she reflected on her Olympic experience, acknowledging the challenges but also recognizing the privilege of competing at such a prestigious event.
Despite not achieving her desired outcome in Paris, Grossman remains proud of her accomplishments and views the experience as a valuable milestone.
Grossman’s early years in climbing began at age six when she discovered a local climbing gym in St. Louis, California. Her initial interest grew into a deep passion, leading her family to move to Boulder, Colorado, at age 15 to support her climbing career. Now based in Salt Lake City, Grossman is aware of the financial barriers in the sport and hints at future projects aimed at increasing accessibility for aspiring climbers.
During the 2024 IFSC Boulder World Cup, Grossman faced a significant challenge when she injured her knee, impacting her performance. Despite this setback, she managed to secure a gold medal. This injury, which occurred just before the Paris Olympics, affected her ability to participate in several World Cups and required a period of adjustment and recovery.
Grossman’s injury, which involved a torn LCL and popliteus, was her first acute injury and a major mental and physical hurdle. The timing of the injury was particularly challenging as it disrupted her training and competition schedule. However, her resilience and determination to compete in Paris underscore her strength and dedication to the sport.
Meeting climbing legend Chris Sharma, whom she admired as a role model, was a significant moment for Grossman. Although Sharma was not her coach, their shared connection through the same gym in her early years was inspiring. Grossman’s long-standing dream to compete in the Olympics was solidified after the sport was officially included in the Games, and she has pursued this goal with dedication.
Balancing mental health and rigorous training is crucial for climbers. Grossman emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery, acknowledging that the mental aspects of climbing and competing are often underestimated. Drawing parallels to Simone Biles’ challenges with mental health in gymnastics, Grossman addresses the importance of managing doubts, expectations, and pressure in climbing.
Grossman’s impressive career includes notable achievements, such as winning gold in Women’s Bouldering in 2021 and silver in Women’s Lead during the same year. Her journey through various climbing disciplines, including Bouldering and Lead, highlights her versatility and skill. Looking ahead to the LA 2028 Olympics, fans eagerly anticipate her continued success and growth in the sport.
