The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast E156: Brooke Raboutou - Growing up in a climbing family and climbing the highest grades whilst maintaining balance
Jul 9, 2025
Brooke Raboutou, an Olympic silver medalist and rising star in climbing, shares her journey growing up in a climbing family. She discusses the balance between competition and personal passion, reflecting on the pressures and joys of the sport. Brooke dives into her experiences navigating social media, sponsorships, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a competitive environment. The conversation explores the evolution of climbing competitions and emphasizes the importance of community and self-acceptance in achieving one's climbing ambitions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Brooke's Balanced Climbing Upbringing
- Brooke grew up climbing with her family but wanted to attend college for a broader experience.
- She balanced climbing and school, feeling pressure but ultimately prioritizing her own happiness.
Navigating Identity as a Young Climber
- Brooke initially hid her climber identity at school to have a normal social life.
- Over time, she learned to embrace being a climber confidently while maintaining humility.
Challenges of Social Media for Athletes
- Brooke finds social media challenging because it creates pressure to share and seek validation.
- She prefers genuine, in-person connections over large, impersonal digital audiences.