sam assembing his climbing shoes while he looks off in the distance at an indoor rock climbing gym

Speed Climbing

Sam Watson

Salt Lake City, UT

I’m inspired by the greater impact that my climbing has on others. Whether for other athletes, my friends and family, or for a greater purpose of peace through sport, I find that to be the most motivating and fulfilling aspect of being a climber.

Stats

World Cup Champion

Cups

Favorite Kodiak Fuel

Olympic Medals Won

countless

Games of Mario Cart Played

Meet Sam Watson

From his love of Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. to smashing the world record for Men's Speed Climbing, Sam Watson can be summed up in one word—fast. Sam's need for speed started at age five when he first took to climbing. He was hooked from the start (both figuratively and literally). With his eyes set high, Sam qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics by taking gold at the 2023 Pan-American Games, all after back-to-back Speed Climbing World Cups.

Now, Sam is officially the fastest climber in the world, having broken his own record with a time of 4.75 seconds, besting his previous 4.789 seconds that earned him a spot in the Olympic finals and ultimately led to his bronze medal win. Fast is just the beginning for Sam—follow along as he continues to take flight and reach new heights in his epic climbing journey.