Film tip: From child prodigy to world-class athlete

The documentary film “Here to Climb” traces the impressive career of the American professional climber Sasha DiGiulian. A career that began very early and was riddled with physical and mental obstacles.

The climbing career of the American Sasha DiGiulian began at the tender age of six when she discovered climbing at her brother's birthday party. By the age of seven she was already winning youth competitions, and by the age of eleven she had international victories and sponsorship contracts under her belt.

At the age of 18, she managed to repeat Pure Imagination (5.14d/9a), an ascent that cemented her status as a professional climber. Most of the later repeaters, such as Babsi Zangerl, Adam Ondra and Margo Hayes, rated the route 8c+. In 2012, she scored Era Vella in Margalef, becoming the youngest and first North American woman to reach grade 9a.

Watch now: Here to Climb - gripping documentary about Sasha DiGiulian. Image: Pablo Durana | Red Bull Content Pool
Watch now: Here to Climb – gripping documentary about Sasha DiGiulian. Image: Pablo Durana | Red Bull Content Pool

Here to Climb is a portrait of an athlete who breaks records and relentlessly pushes her limits, redefining success on her own terms.

Way to the top of the world

In 2022, Sasha DiGiulian made history again when she, along with Matilda Söderlund and Brette Harrington the first all-female team which climbed the impressive big wall route Rayu (8c) in the Picos de Europa in Spain.

The documentary Here to Climb follows Sasha DiGiulian's rise from child prodigy to world-class athlete. The film shows her bold First Female Ascents on some of the most impressive walls in the world.

By facing both physical and mental obstacles, DiGiulian blazed her own trail in a sport where there was no set path. The film shows the immense drive and determination needed to get to the top.

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Credits: Cover picture Red Bull Content Pool

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