Chris Sharma

**Biography of Chris Sharma**

Born on April 23, 1981, in Santa Cruz, California, Chris Omprakash Sharma has earned his place as one of the most exceptional climbers in modern climbing history. He was introduced to climbing at the young age of 12, rapidly showcasing his prodigious skills by winning the US Open Bouldering Nationals in the adult category at just 14. His early achievements quickly garnered attention worldwide as he redefined the limits of both sport climbing and bouldering.

Sharma made headlines in the late 1990s with his first ascent of Necessary Evil (5.14c) in the Virgin River Gorge, then the hardest route in North America. His landmark ascent of Biographie in Céüse, France, in 2001 marked a turning point, as it became the first route ever graded 9a+ (5.15a). This success solidified his status among the elite climbers globally. He continued to set new standards with ascents of routes like Dreamcatcher (9a) in Squamish and Jumbo Love (9b) on Clark Mountain, along with La Dura Dura (9b+) in Oliana.

In the bouldering realm, Sharma’s accomplishments include completing Dreamtime (8B+) in Cresciano and Practice of the Wild (8C) in Magic Wood, as well as Witness the Fitness (V15/8C) in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. He also played a pivotal role in popularizing psicobloc, a thrilling form of unroped climbing over water, famously ascending Es Pontas in Mallorca.

Beyond climbing, Sharma has significantly influenced the sport's visibility through films and documentaries. For over a decade, he was regarded as the world’s top climber, championing sites like Bishop in California and Margalef in Spain. Now residing in Barcelona, he balances opening new routes, managing climbing gyms in California and Spain, and producing media to promote the sport