Pushing the limits

We are living a historic moment in which new generations of climbers are constantly breaking records. This project tells the story of five young elite athletes in Spain, aged between 12 and 17, who are able to climb routes of such difficulty that a few years ago were reserved for only a few in the world. Sport becomes a lifestyle that is rooted in the depths of the human being and defines his or her identity, a path that leads to love and respect for the mountain, perseverance, resilience and frustration management. But the most important thing is the confidence that is generated in oneself and in one’s companions, since the climber places his life in the hands of the companion who secures him. Why children and adolescents? Dreams are for those who pursue them, and without a doubt they climb pursuing their dreams with determination, no matter how impossible they may seem, putting body and mind to the limit not only increase their capabilities but also expand those of the entire climbing community becoming references for future athletes. Sport, like art and religion, is one of the characteristics that makes human beings human, and therefore plays a fundamental role in their cultural heritage. The emotion one feels when watching these young athletes in action is contagious, and their determination and courage are an example to all. Undoubtedly, it is a story that deserves to be told, a story of passion, self-improvement and personal growth that will inspire anyone to pursue their goals and always seek new challenges.

David is a climber of only 12 years old and short stature who has already achieved 8c+ routes, he methodically trains 3 days a week in his usual climbing wall, located in Meco (Guadalajara), it is a very humble, self-managed climbing wall, for him it is his second home. David designs on the ceiling the movements of the routes he tests.

This project is about overcoming, emotions, relationships, trust. To be able to climb to the maximum without thinking about falling, you have to trust your insurer, you put your life in his hands, you sleep, eat, feet, cry, limit emotions lived together.

In every mountaineer there is always an inner struggle, a desire to overcome the difficulty of the mountain, an uncertainty about his ability to do it, a fear of not being able to do it.

e Sputnik team is at the forefront of research in this sport, they use this device to measure the strength they are able to exert at any given moment and thus adapt their training and rock climbing to their current physical conditions.

The bond that results from playing sports as a family is amazing, they cheer for each other and rejoice in each other’s achievements as if they were their own, so that victories are shared.

Sometimes pushing the limits has its cost. Fabian belongs to the Sputnik team, he has at his disposal a psychologist, two coaches, a nutritionist and an outfitter all to try to improve his performance in competitions, a bet on the part of a private company uncommon in this sport where sponsors are scarce.

Falling is part of the climb, getting up, trying again. The pressure they are under, to see them break, recover, take a deep breath and continue competing with all those expectations weighing on them, are truly inspiring.

Icíar Martínez “Ichi” is one of the young Spanish promises, champion in the absolute modality in 2022. She combines exams and work with competitions, concentrations and trainings, both national and international.

We are living a historic moment in which new generations of climbers are constantly breaking records. This project tells the story of five young elite athletes in Spain, aged between 12 and 17, who are able to climb routes of such difficulty that a few years ago were reserved for only a few in the world.
Sport becomes a lifestyle that is rooted in the depths of the human being and defines his or her identity, a path that leads to love and respect for the mountain, perseverance, resilience and frustration management. But the most important thing is the trust that is generated in oneself and in one’s companions, since the climber places his life in the hands of the companion who secures him.

Why children and adolescents? Dreams are for those who pursue them, and no doubt they climb pursuing their dreams, putting body and mind to the limit not only increase their capabilities but also expand those of the entire climbing community becoming references for future athletes.

The emotion felt when watching these young athletes in action is contagious, and their determination and courage are an example to all. Undoubtedly, it is a story that deserves to be told, a story of passion, self-improvement and personal growth that will inspire anyone to pursue their dreams and always seek new challenges.