North America
Change Region
English (United States)
Change Language
The Paris 2024 Olympics are just around the corner, and Team USA’s climbers are kicking their training into high gear. Recently, they spent a few training days at Portland Rock Gym (PRG) in Beaverton, Oregon. Their mission? To conquer EP Climbing’s Titan Boulder, an exact replica of the bouldering wall they’ll face in Paris.
The Titan Boulder at PRG isn't your average climbing wall. It's an exact replica of the one athletes will climb in Paris, designed in partnership with EP Climbing and the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC). This wall offers a range of route setting and optimal viewing angles, catering to both professional competitors and recreational climbers. Its breakthrough design has made it the stage for numerous prestigious events, including the IFSC World Championships in Bern 2023, the Tokyo Olympics 2020, and the Pan American Games Santiago 2023.
Watching Team USA climbers train on the Titan Wall is nothing short of inspiring. These athletes are at the top of their game, each move executed with precision and strength.
Natalia Grossman, Brooke Raboutou, Jesse Grupper, and Colin Duffy, are gearing up for climbing’s second Olympic appearance. Training on the Titan Boulder gave Team USA a glimpse of what to expect in Paris. The routes are set to mimic the challenges they will encounter, giving them a valuable opportunity to adapt and refine their strategies.
There was no shortage of excitement at Portland Rock Gym during these training sessions. Even media reps were there to capture the action and chat with the athletes.
"We enjoyed the varied terrain on the Titan, [which] allowed us to set the right style boulders that our Olympic Team will see in Paris. The opportunity to climb and play on the Titan Wall in preparation for the Olympics was a unique experience and we feel more prepared for Paris," said Josh Larson, USA National Team Head Coach. "The athletes said, ‘It’s a confidence boost and edge getting to know the walls outside of competition since there aren’t many around the world.’"
EP Climbing has a long-standing relationship with PRG, which has been a pioneer in modular climbing gyms since 1988. PRG is the oldest indoor climbing gym in the country, continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence in the climbing community.
EP is honored to support climbers by providing them with the best possible training environment. The Titan Boulder at PRG will help athletes prepare for the challenges they will face in numerous climbing competitions. This is the first Titan Wall in the US and we hope to build more across the country.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw closer, the excitement and pressure are building. Team USA’s training at Portland Rock Gym was a crucial part of their preparation, offering a chance to push their limits and refine their skills. The climbing community anticipates the Olympics, set to take place from August 4-11, 2024, and is ready to cheer on Team USA and all the other climbing athletes competing on the sport’s biggest stage.
Stay tuned as we follow Team USA's journey to Paris. Their training at Portland Rock Gym was just the beginning, and we can't wait to see them compete on the Olympic stage.
Image create: Rob Richer
Tag @EPClimbing with #BringsClimbingToEveryone