Nathaniel Coleman
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Nathaniel Coleman is known as a luminary figure in the world of rock climbing, carving his path with a blend of tenacity, skill, and unwavering passion for the sport. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Coleman's journey through climbing has taken him to the highest levels of competition and the most remote climbing areas in the world.
Growing up against the backdrop of Utah's rugged Wasatch Mountains, Coleman found inspiration in the granite of Little Cottonwood Canyon. It was amidst the technical boulders of his home crag that he discovered his love of nature and adventure, igniting a flame that would propel him towards unprecedented heights in the sport.
From his early days as a competitive climber, Coleman exhibited an innate talent and an unmatched determination to excel. Fuelled by his equally matched peers, he devoted himself to training, immersing himself in the intricacies of technique and dynamic movement. As his prowess in front of a crowd steadily grew, Coleman transitioned from local competitions to the national stage, where he quickly made his mark as a rising star, eventually winning the Bouldering National Championships 4 times. His ability to read routes with precision, coupled with his unparalleled strength and agility, set him apart as a formidable competitor, earning him acclaim within the climbing community.
Coleman's breakthrough came in 2015, where he showcased his talent on the world stage with electrifying performances and a positive aura. With back to back second place finishes in the first two IFSC Bouldering World Cups of the season, he proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with, finishing fourth in the world at the end of the circuit. Coleman reached the height of his competition success at the 2021 Olympic Games, and after qualifying in last place for the final round, his best performance was yet to come. Exhibiting unrivaled composure under pressure, he was the only competitor to top the second climb of the bouldering round, earning himself the Silver Medal of climbing’s Olympic debut.
Beyond his achievements in competition, Coleman's influence extends far beyond the confines of the climbing gym. As an ambassador for the sport, he seeks to inspire the next generation of climbers to elevate their ethics of preserving the rocks and landscapes to match the rapid growth of the sport. He shares his passion and knowledge through coaching clinics and mentorship programs aimed at fostering inclusivity and high performance within the climbing community.
Despite his meteoric rise to prominence, Coleman remains grounded and humble, guided by a deep-rooted respect for the traditions of the sport and a profound reverence for the natural world. Whether pushing himself in the fast-paced environment of competition or communing with nature on a serene boulder problem, he finds solace and fulfillment in the simple act of solving and moving through a climb.
As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in climbing, Nathaniel Coleman stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring climbers everywhere. With his unyielding determination, positive mindset, and unwavering love for the climbing community, he embodies the spirit of what it means to be a true master of the rock.
Accomplishments:
- Silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games
- 2x Bouldering World Cup Silver medalist
- 4x Bouldering Open National Champion
- FA of The Grand Illusion (V16), Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT
- FA of Lee Majors (5.14c), Celebrity Cave, AZ
- Flash of SlashFace (V13), Hueco Tanks, Texas
- Defying Gravity (V15)
- No One Mourns The Wicket (V17) FA, South Platte, CO