Jesse Grupper’s Arsenal: How a Climbing Olympian Prepares for Paris 2024
In the past few years, sport climbing has exploded in popularity. Superstars like Alex Honnold, alongside the rise of accessible indoor gyms, have propelled this climb to new heights. The sport’s debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with Nathaniel Coleman clinching the gold in men’s combined, solidified its place in the global spotlight. This August, American climber Jesse Grupper will be competing in Paris, striving to continue this success story.
Grupper, hailing from Montclair, New Jersey, began his journey at a local indoor gym at the tender age of six. He later pursued a degree in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and ventured into Harvard’s Biodesign Lab, developing exoskeletons for stroke victims. However, his passion for climbing ultimately led him to a full-time professional career, where he’s dominated the World Cup competition circuit. In 2023, he secured his place at the Paris Olympics by taking gold in the men’s combined lead and bouldering at the 2023 Pan American Games. But beyond the glitz and glamor of Olympic competition, what does it take to compete at this level?
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Jesse Grupper’s Gear: A Deep Dive
We sat down with Grupper over Zoom, learning what he’s bringing with him to Paris. Examining his gear, we see a meticulously crafted arsenal designed for peak performance:
JLab Go Air Sport Earbuds: These budget-friendly earbuds have earned top rankings for workout performance. The sport version boasts secure ear hooks and a protective cover, exceeding their standard 2020 Go Air counterpart. Grupper praises their affordability, comfort, and durability. "They fit easily, they’re not too expensive, and they’re not broken yet," he notes.
La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva, an Italian company with a near-century of experience in technical climbing apparel, has crafted a shoe that combines flexible and stiff qualities for optimal performance. The Solution utilizes both laced and Velcro closures in La Sportiva’s signature Fast Lacing system. While finding the right climbing shoe can be a challenging endeavor, especially for professionals relying on intricate footwork, Grupper sees the Solution as a perfect balance. "These have that nice middle point of being flexible enough to stand on volumes [climbing term for larger surfaces] while still being stiff enough for tiny footholds," he describes.
Armaid Massage Device: Grupper’s experience with a flexor tendon strain highlights the importance of proper recovery. The Armaid, a portable device, provides targeted massage for trigger points, relieving pain and stiffness. This tool is an essential part of Grupper’s recovery routine, especially in the lead-up to the Olympics. "I put my forearm right in here and squeeze with my other hand so my forearm is compressed… I can release it from the tension," he explains.
Trango Horizon Harness: Comfort is paramount when it comes to a harness, and Grupper relies on the Trango Horizon. He spends considerable time in it during training, and praises its intuitive design, multiple loops for attaching gear, and its dependable brand.
Sterling Aero Rope: A climber’s lifeline, the rope, plays a vital role. For sport climbing, a single, dynamic rope with stretch and give is essential. Grupper champions the Sterling Aero, boasting its thinness, lightness, and Xeros treatment which keeps the rope clean, dry, and smooth. This makes it easier to maneuver and reduces drag, crucial when carrying extra weight from gear. Sterling’s dedication to sustainability, with their Bluesign certification and rope recycling program, resonates with Grupper’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Nike Precool Ice Vest: The threat of extreme heat requires innovative solutions. While the Paris Olympics are expected to experience temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, Grupper recognizes the dangers of competing in such conditions. The Nike Precool Ice Vest becomes a critical weapon in his fight against the heat. The vest contains four refreezable ice packs, offering targeted cooling.
"Almost every competitor has a personal fan, and a lot of teams bring ice packs and coolers. We might have personal air conditioners for the warm-up area itself," Grupper explains. He’s also been practicing with the ice vest to familiarize himself with the sensation of wearing it. "Sometimes I’ll even pour water on my head before competing. I may not look my best, but it’s what you have to do."
The Paris Stage Awaits
Grupper, equipped with his arsenal of meticulously-selected gear, will be competing in men’s bouldering and lead competitions at the Le Bourget climbing venue in Paris. As the world watches, his journey to climb to the top of the Olympic podium will be a spectacle of strength, agility, and resilience. His commitment to pushing boundaries, both physically and environmentally, stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of sport climbing, mirroring the growing global recognition and enthusiasm surrounding this captivating sport.
