Chris sustained a spinal cord injury while paragliding mid-2022 resulting in T10 Paraplegia (AL1). While on exchange studying psychology in Norway during the 2017 winter, Chris’ focus on developing both indoor and outdoor climbing skills intensified. A following exchange to Vancouver extended these skills into backcountry, canyoning and mountaineering through Canada, the US and Mexico.

A lifelong outdoor adventurer, he believes sport and activity have profound physical, psychological and social benefits and so continues pursuing goals post-injury as an adaptive athlete in mountain biking, sailing and surfing alongside competing as part of the Australian Paraclimbing Team.

A former volunteer operator in remote and vertical rescue teams, Chris has transitioned to a logistics position with the same unit. He aims to again balance campusing and campus life through paraclimbing and post-grad Psychology study.

New to a wheelchair and the team, Chris has been surrounded by experts rapidly helping prepare him to compete in World Cup events at Salt Lake City (USA), Innsbruck (AUT) and Arco (ITA).

“At less than a month away from the first event, I’m both very nervous and very excited, which is usually a good combination for big goals!” (April 2024)

Chris also competes internationally in the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour, and will fly from Salt Lake City to compete in Hawaii.

“I’m looking forward to meeting and learning from even more amazing athletes coming together to do what they love.”

Paraclimbing is Sport Climbing tailored for athletes with disabilities, who are classified into Sport Classes based on their disability to ensure fair competition. The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) has been hosting Paraclimbing competitions globally since 2006.

Since 2010, Paraclimbing has been a regular feature on the IFSC calendar, with the prestigious IFSC Paraclimbing World Championships launched in 2011.

Held alongside the Climbing World Championships, this event promotes Paraclimbing on the same stage, reflecting the IFSC's commitment to inclusivity. The IFSC remains dedicated to nurturing the Paraclimbing community, enhancing competition standards, and supporting athletes with disabilities.