Craig DeMartino: Rebuilt. Progression through Adaptation

Since a 100-foot fall that took his right leg and left him with severe spinal injuries in 2002, Colorado climber Craig DeMartino has been undeterred in his adventure pursuits, achieving First Disabled and In-A-Day ascents on El Capitan. What should be making the headlines, however, is his daily life and outlook following his tragedy.

Join Craig for an inspirational take on the trauma he underwent and how he turned his unfortunate experience into a catalyst for him to move forward and help others who have gone through the same kind of turmoil.

About the Speaker:

In 2002, Craig survived what many would consider an impossible event. He was dropped 100 feet from an anchor in CO to the ground, hitting the talus blocks standing, and destroying most of his body. The fall resulted in a fused back, L1-L4, and fused neck, C5-6, chronic pain, numerous broken bones, and ultimately the amputation of his right leg below the knee. For most, that would mean a life of low expectations, pain and regret. Luckily, Craig has really never been “most” people.

He returned to climbing six months after amputating his leg, and once he figured out how his new body worked, he began to rebuild his mind. It took about two years for him to get the hang of it, but he slowly began to climb at the levels he had done prior to the accident. His progress was so great that he eventually achieved the seemingly impossible feats, such as becoming the first amputee to climb El Capitan in Yosemite in under a day, and The Nose of El Capitan in a day. Craig also led the first All Disabled Ascent of El Capitan and is a current Paraclimbing National Champion with a Bronze Medal in 2015 Paraclimbing World Championships, Spain. He also is an ABS National Paraclimbing Champion 2012/2013