Sterling Athletes Team

Chelsea Rude

Name: Chelsea Rude

DOB: August 12, 1986

How did you get started climbing?

My dad found an article in the daily news paper in Atlanta for a climbing gym.  He thought that it would be a fun summer activity, so he told me about it.  I wasn't very psyched at all.  A couple weeks later he succeeded in talking me into going and trying it out with him.  The first day, I fell in love.  We made the hour drive (one way!) to that climbing gym 4-5 days per week after that. 

How old were you when you started? 

I was 11 years old

Who or what inspired you to start climbing?

I was inspired on the first day of climbing because I saw it as a challenge.  I was definitely not a natural in the beginning...I fought my way up the routes in probably the ugliest way.  But I loved the feeling at the top.  I was inspired to get better and climb fluidly up routes just like the other climbers in the gym.  

Who served as your inspiration in life? 

My parents because they did everything to give me the opportunity to travel the world for climbing, and for that I can only hope that if I have a family one day I would do the same.  

What was your first outdoor climb? 

Hmm, I don't remember the name of my first outdoor climb, but I think it was at Rocktown in North Georgia.  It was a top rope and I thought it was amazing.  My first lead route was at Foster Falls in Tennessee, I think it was something called Rocket Slab.  I was psyched after that! 

What do you do when you're not climbing? 

When I'm not climbing, I am either outside running, swimming, hiking, or riding my bike.  I am also a student at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and a coach at Movement Climbing + Fitness.  I also like spending time with my boyfriend, Kynan. 

Any training advice or suggestions? 

One of the most important aspects of training is taking rest days.

What do you feel is your best accomplishment, outside of climbing? 

Getting the courage to leave Atlanta and move to Boulder.  Maintain an A average in college. 

What do you feel is your best accomplishment within climbing? 

Influencing kids to become part of a sport that influenced my life tremendously and watching it have the same influences on them. 

Favorite quote? 

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"

If you could have 1 superpower what would it be?  

I would love to be able to snap my fingers and give people what they need.

If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be?

I would want to be healthy, climb hard, and be successful. 

What was your favorite childhood cartoon? 

Scooby Doo!