Urko Carmona: Overcoming the Challenge, Difficulty, and Finding the Maximum
Urko Carmona can be declared a perfect opposite to all those who say that something does not work or is impossible. Zest for life is hardly missing to this Spanish climber with an amputated right leg. He keeps searching new climbing challenges with maximum difficulty, as far as he´s able to "experience". His up to date maximum difficulty is 8a +. Even climbing races aren´t strange to him. In his category handicap, the climbers with an amputated leg, he´s become a World Champion (2011 and 2012) and European Champion (2matuska013). Above all, however, he is one of the models for all disabled athletes. And for anyone indeed.
Urko is a 32-year climber who currently resides in Rodellar, Spain. He started to climb in his 14 years, but two years later he had a serious accident. While riding his motorcycle he crashed into a truck. After a month in a coma he woke up without his right leg. In addition, he was denied any compensation or pension later. "My path crossed with my fate, that was already written so." For many people this would mean the end, but Urko soon began to do the same as before when he had both his legs. He started to climb again. Moreover, he's doing well in international competitions. Urko rock climbed the difficulty of 8a + (10 - UIAA) so far. And it looks like he has not reached his limits yet.
November 4, 2023 – Val Verzasca, Switzerland – The Verzasca Dam, an engineering marvel nestled in the picturesque Val Verzasca of Switzerland that stands 220 meters tall, became the stage for the climbing elite. Red Bull Dual Ascent, now in its
second edition, attracted 24 of the world's best…
Urko is a big promoter of climbing for disabled and promoter of the sport in general. He has highlighted this topic mainly through the international championships in recent years, most of which he reigns. For many similarly affected young people Urko is an example of a great motivation.
"It is necessary to draw attention to similar activities to appeal to even more people with various disabilities, an amputated limb or even blind. What really bothers me is a general ignorance of the topic. Therefore, I think, it is important to participate in more competitions and events and try to be seen,"says Urko.
Adam Ondra dominated the bouldering scene again and won a gold medal in the second World Cup competition in Salt Lake City. He took second place in the qualification and proceeded to the finals from the same position. This time, he was surprised by the victory and admits that a little luck was…
Adam Ondra completed today's finals in Meiringen, Switzerland, and won a gold medal in the first competition of this year's World Cup. He kept first place in bouldering continuously from the qualification until the very exciting finals. He was satisfied with his excellent form and appreciated a…
