#21 Craig DeMartino - The Unexpected Gifts of Adversity, How Climbing Became a Catalyst for Healing and Empowerment

Ageless Athlete - Stories and Secrets of Adventure Sports Icons

🚀"Yes, that was a catalyst. Yours doesn't have to be falling off a cliff, because you know, everyone's going to fall off their own cliff, whatever that is. "💪🏾⛰️
Craig DeMartino embodies the spirit of this podcast in every way. He's a climber, a teacher, a mentor, and an inspiration to anyone who's ever faced adversity. Climbing wasn't just a hobby; it became a way of life, a passion that shaped his world.
But life, as we know, throws curveballs. In Craig's case, it was a devastating accident that changed everything. He found himself at a crossroads, facing a future that seemed unimaginable. But Craig is not a man who backs down. He made a choice, a bold choice, to not let this event define him. And that choice led him on an incredible journey of adaptation, grit, and ultimately, triumph.

Today, Craig stands as a champion adaptive climber He has five ascents of El Cap, two of them in less than 24 hours. He’s the two-time National Champ, two-time bronze medalist in Worlds, and five-time Extremity Games gold medalist. What makes Craig’s story truly stand out

Craig now dedicates his life to helping others discover the transformative power of climbing. He works tirelessly with veterans and individuals with disabilities, sharing his knowledge, experience, and unwavering belief in the human spirit's ability to overcome any challenge.

Cover Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/bearcam/?hl=en
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References:
Craig DeMartino's Website: This website likely contains more information about Craig's climbing career, his work with adaptive athletes, and his speaking engagements. CraigDeMartino.com, Instagram
Adaptive Adventures: The non-profit organization Craig works with, providing outdoor sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities. AdaptiveAdventures.org
Evolve Adaptive Foot (EAF): The climbing foot prosthetic developed by Evolv, a climbing shoe company, which Craig helped design. Evolv Website - search for "EAF"
Craig's Sponsors:
ArcTeryx
Evolv
Blue Water Ropes
Friction Labs
Black Diamond
Physivantage

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1. Ageless Athlete - Craig DeMartino (00:00:00)