Stefano Ghisolfi spent much of December 2017 seeking out projects in Spain. He chose La Capella (5.15b) in Siurana, Spain and when he completed the route on January 12, 2018, the 25-year-old Italian joined the upper echelon of climbing. In November 2015, Stefano made Italian history when he established a linkup between two famous routes in Andonno and gave the route a grade of 5.15b, the first of that grade in his home country. Stefano climbed many 5.15a routes along the way, many established by Chris Sharma. These ticks are, in fact, just side projects from Stefano’s main gig of competition climbing. He follows a strict training program mandated by his coach, but unlike many top competitors, he climbs outside at least once a week.
In 2007, Stefano climbed in his first international competition: the IFSC European Youth Cup. In 2010 and 2011, he won the bronze medal in Lead climbing at the IFSC World Youth Championships while also climbing in the IFSC World Championships as a senior competitor, for all disciplines (lead, bouldering and speed), placing 10th overall. In October 2012, Stefano won his first World Cup medal and followed it up with golds in 2016 and 2017. In October 2018, he won another gold, and is battling it out in the overall 2018 Lead World Cup standings.
Stefano recently competed for Team Europe on the American television show “American Ninja Warrior,” having never tried one of its obstacle courses. He finished the entire course, something the announcer said was “unthinkable” for a rookie. Stefano is a member of the Italian Police Team, which supports his career as a professional climber.
Accomplishments:
- 4 World Cup gold medals
- First Italian climber to redpoint 5.15b
- Climbed four 5.15a climbs