Climbing · Worth knowing

Brooke Raboutou earned silver at the World Climbing Series in Koper, Slovenia on September 5, marking her first podium since recovering from a labrum tear suffered at the World Cup in Bern. Competing in difficult conditions with high humidity and low-friction holds, Raboutou reached hold 33 in the final and described her approach as confident and aggressive despite the challenging circumstances. The result carries particular emotional weight as Raboutou returned to Lead competition in July after months of recovery and physical instability following her injury. Annie Sanders finished fourth at the same event, continuing her standout 2026 season where she has earned four victories and consistently finished fourth or better at every World Climbing Series event she entered. Sanders reached hold 32+ in the final before undershooting a hold, missing the podium by countback. Five U.S. athletes advanced to the semifinal round across the two competition days, including Ella Fisher, Jesse Grupper and Dillon Countryman.

The Rustbelt Roadtrip Redpoint Series is a new regional youth bouldering competition circuit launching in 2026 for climbers ages 6-14, designed as a low-stress introduction to competitive climbing. The series features four events across multiple gyms using either Redpoint or Modified Redpoint formats, with competitors earning series rankings based on their top two event finishes, and recognition categories for overall rank, most improved, and most consistent attendance. Participation is free and includes a series sticker, raffle entry with prizes weighted toward frequent competitors, and separate Elite designation for climbers qualifying for USA Climbing's Regional Championship to keep focus on developing newer athletes.

Kristin Harila, a Norwegian mountaineer, recently completed the Triple Crown of Everest expeditions—summiting Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest within ten days during the same season. At forty years old, Harila has become known for record-breaking speed ascents in the Himalayas, though her achievements have both amazed and divided the mountaineering community. After this latest expedition, she has decided to close this chapter of her climbing career, citing the physical toll of expeditions and the extensive recovery time required. Looking forward, Harila is transitioning toward new mountaineering pursuits rather than retiring entirely. She is currently involved in a training project for Nepali Sherpas and porters aimed at reducing high-altitude accidents through improved technical preparation and risk awareness. She also plans to explore mountain ultramarathons—races of one hundred kilometres or more—as a way to discover new mountains and continue learning about herself. Harila emphasized that women remain underrepresented in high-altitude mountaineering, comprising only about twenty percent of those receiving Everest permits, and noted slow but gradual improvements in equipment design and sponsorship opportunities for female climbers. She advises both women and general mountaineers to approach mountains with patience and to rely on experienced mountain guides.