Olympian Brooke Raboutou's Enviable Climbing Origins || Climbing Gold Podcast With Alex Honnold

Summary

In this interview, professional rock climber Brooke Raboutou shares her lifelong journey with climbing, starting from her earliest memories at the age of two with her parents, who were also professional climbers. She reflects on her experiences growing up climbing both outdoors in France and Europe during summers and indoors in Boulder, Colorado, during winters. Brooke recalls her first lead climb, her first 5.13a, and her first 5.14a, as well as the camaraderie she felt with her climbing friends and the tragic loss of her peer, Tito Traversa.

Takeaways

• 🧗‍♀️ Brooke Raboutou is a professional rock climber based in Boulder, Colorado.
• 👶 She has been climbing since the age of two, influenced by her parents who were also professional climbers.
• 🏞 Brooke has fond memories of climbing outdoors in France during her childhood summers.
• 📸 She recalls climbing experiences from a young age, often reinforced by family photos.
• 🔝 Her first lead climb was on a route called Flying in Anglars in Saint-Antonin, France.
• 🎓 Brooke achieved her first 5.13a climb, Octopus, in Le Gorges du Tarn, France, while wearing a bathing suit.
• 🤝 She shares a milestone with Tito [Claudio Traversa], as they both sent their first 5.14a on the same day.
• 🏆 Brooke's climbing journey includes both indoor and outdoor experiences, with a balance between competition and personal enjoyment.
• 🏡 Indoor climbing was a part of her life from an early age, participating in competitions with ABC at the BRC.
• 🤝 She fondly remembers climbing with friends who were also strong competitors, creating a supportive and fun environment.
• 🌍 Brooke's climbing experiences have been shaped by both her family's influence and her own dedication to the sport.

Q & A

Who is the main subject of the interview in the script?

The main subject of the interview is Brooke Raboutou, a professional rock climber based out of Boulder, Colorado.

How old is Brooke Raboutou and how long has she been climbing?

Brooke Raboutou is 23 years old and she has been climbing since she was around two years old.

What is the significance of climbing in France and Europe during the summers for Brooke?

The summers spent outdoors climbing in France and Europe were significant for Brooke as it was part of her formative climbing experiences and a time for traveling and exploring different climbing locations.

What was Brooke's first lead climb and how old was she when she did it?

Brooke's first lead climb was a route called Flying in Anglars, and she was probably around six years old when she did it.

Can you describe a memorable milestone in Brooke's climbing career?

A memorable milestone in Brooke's climbing career was her first 5.13a climb, Octopus, in Le Gorges du Tarn, France, which she completed wearing a bathing suit.

What was the name of the climb and the location where Brooke completed her first 5.14a?

Brooke completed her first 5.14a climb named God's Own Stone in the Red River Gorge.

Who was the other young climber that achieved a similar milestone on the same day as Brooke?

The other young climber was Tito [Claudio Traversa], who also sent his first 5.14a on the same day as Brooke.

How did Brooke start with indoor climbing and what was the significance of ABC and BRC?

Brooke started indoor climbing as part of her life from a young age, with ABC (American Bouldering Competitions) being a significant part of her indoor climbing experience, and BRC (Boulder Rock Club) being the location where she practiced and competed.

What was the contrast between indoor and outdoor climbing experiences for Brooke?

For Brooke, the contrast between indoor and outdoor climbing was part of her balanced climbing life, with indoor climbing during the winter in Boulder and outdoor climbing during the summers in France and Europe.

What was Brooke's first impression of climbing competitions and how did she feel about them?

Brooke's first impression of climbing competitions was positive, as she enjoyed the experience of climbing with her friends who were also strong competitors, and she remembered having a good time more than the specific moments of the competitions.

How did climbing with her family influence Brooke's climbing journey?

Climbing with her family, who were also professional climbers, had a significant influence on Brooke's climbing journey, as it was an integral part of her life from a very young age and contributed to her early climbing experiences and skills development.