Professional ClimberChris SharmaSanta Cruz, CA

“For me it's not just about the athletic challenge, it's about finding new things. When I'm not doing that in climbing, it manifests itself in other ways. There's the athletic side of it, but it is very much an artistic thing.”

For over two decades, Chris Sharma has performed at the forefront of the rock climbing world, consistently putting up first ascents and serving as a true pioneer of the sport. He’s been climbing’s poster boy since reaching the pinnacle of the sport—putting up the hardest route, at the time, a 5.14c when he was just 15 years old. Chris is known for pushing his body to extreme limits while keeping his mind and soul grounded through meditation and a Zen-like approach to life. The 35-year-old has laid down roots (and plenty of routes) in Spain, where he’s raising his new daughter and learning the ropes of running a gym, Sharma Climbing Barcelona—and climbing as hard as ever.