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26 January, 2019 Back to News/Events

KAI LIGHTNER

In 2006, six year old Kai Lightner walked into The Climbing Place in Fayetteville, NC and discovered the world of rockclimbing. That year he began competing in the USA Climbing organization, and attended his first Sport Climbing Series National Competition in 2007. As an active competitor in the USA Climbing youth circuit, Kai has earned 10 National Championship titles, 3 Pan American Championship titles, and 16 US Team designations. In September 2014, Kai earned the gold medal for his age category (14-15) at the Youth World championship in Noumea, New Caledonia, becoming the first American Lead World Champion since 1995. In 2015, at the age of 15, he became the Open/Adult Lead Climbing National Champion.

Kai has a passion for indoor competitive climbing and enjoys “pushing the limits” through outdoor sport climbing. In 2013, Kai reached new heights outdoors, climbing his first 5.14a route. Since that time, he has climbed numerous 5.14 graded routes, reaching a new milestone April 2015 with his ascent of Era Vella (5.14d) in Margalef, Spain.

He aims to continue tackling new outdoor challenges, and competing in international climbing competitions.

DOB: 8/21/1999

Started Climbing: Age 6

Favorite Crag: The Red River Gorge

The Confidence To Climb

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