Senior · Development
Biography
I’ve been totally blind since age 3, as a result of eye cancer. I’m happily married with 2 adult children, and own a Braille production business. Over the course of my life, I have competed in many sports, but came to the climbing game rather late, at the age of 55! A friend asked my wife and I to go climbing for fun one night and we were immediately hooked. My wife, Patti, is my caller, – she calls the holds using a two way bluetooth headset as I climb. At Junction, our home gym in London, ON, we met several other paraclimbers who encouraged us to climb competitively. We have been competing on the Canadian Paraclimbing Team since 2023, including 5 World Cups so far. Our sights are set on competing at the 2028 Paralympics in LA at which time, I’ll be 65 years old. It’s never too late to follow your dreams!
Achievements
- I have had the opportunity to compete in 5 World Cups: Salt Lake City (2023, 2024, 2025), Innsbruck Austria (2024), Laval France (2025).
- I am proud to be the top B1 (totally blind) climber in Canada and currently ranked number 5 in the world in Men's B1 classification
- I've also competed in US Nationals (Silver medal in 2024), (Bronze medal in 2025)
In their words
How did you get into climbing?
My neighbour invited us out for a fun climbing night. Being blind, there are few sports that my wife and I can do together; climbing was one. I loved the vibe and positivity of the gym and the combination of physical and mental challenge and I was hooked. We started climbing several times per week and have never looked back. Being totally blind , climbing provides some unique challenges. Communicating efficiently is one of the most challenging aspects for my wife and requires total trust on my part. Add to this, our very different physical characteristics and strengths.
What do you enjoy doing outside of training?
I love spending time with my amazing dog, Hank. Although he's not a guide dog, he learned to guide me on leash when he was a very young puppy. I also enjoy tandem bike riding with my wife. In 2009, I biked across Canada as part of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride with my good buddy Carl. I also love to spend time with my two grown children when they're available
What drives you to compete and excel in climbing?
Surviving cancer, and knowing that not everyone gets that chance, has provided me with the motivation to live every day to it's fullest. Everything I do, I try to do to the best of my ability, and climbing is no exception. I wake up every morning and think "how can I train better today?"
More athletes
Meet the full team 
Senior · Performance (Boulder) / Development (Lead)
Guy McNamee
Senior · Performance
Hugo Dorval
Senior · Performance (Lead) / Development (Boulder)