20 Unforgettable Moments in Black Climbing History, from 1889 Until Now
This Black History Month, we’re looking back at 137 years of Black first ascensionists, mountaineers, Olympians, and icons who have pushed the sport forward.
Kai Lightner
Kai Lightner
Natalia Grossman Takes Gold in Stunning Post-Injury Comeback
At the North American Cup finals yesterday, the local Olympian won in Women’s Lead. Find out how Michaela Kiersch, Kai Lightner, and Nathaniel Coleman stacked up—and who took men’s gold.
Kai Lightner’s “Death of Villains” Is a Rare Triumph of Nuance
While projecting a new 5.15a, Lightner forms an unlikely connection with "cancelled" Joe Kinder—without creating a redemption narrative.
How “Ego, Innuendos, and Lies” Almost Led to the Removal of a Beloved Community Climbing Wall
In 2021, Kai Lightner helped open a free climbing wall outside Atlanta for an underprivileged community. City officials fought to take it down.
Interview: Kai Lightner on Making the FA of ‘Death of Villains’ (5.15a)
We caught up with Lightner to learn more about ‘Death of Villains,’ his training, and—after an eight year interlude—what it took to surpass what he believed to be the peak version of himself.
Kai Lightner Thinks We Can Do Better
We chatted with Kai Lightner about diversity in the climbing world; misconceptions about how accessible climbing is for people of color; his nonprofit Climbing For Change; and—of course—his current climbing and training goals
Kai Lightner Just Did His Hardest Route in Eight Years
“If little me could see me now and look at the body, he would probably be like, ‘There's no way he’s climbing that hard.’”
She Opened Her Home to Top International Climbers—and Changed Lives
Athletes need a space to train. Kimanda Jarzebiak provides that, plus, everything else.
Kai Lightner Wants to Encourage the Next Generation of Rock Climbers
Kai Lightner's foundation, Climbing for Change, partnered with Kevin Jorgeson and 1Climb to build a climbing wall in College Park, Georgia.
Light: A Documentary About Eating Disorders in Rock Climbing
Check out The Editors's author page.
Kai Lightner Launches Climbing for Change Nonprofit to Facilitate Diversity in the Climbing Industry
The nonprofit will help fund programs to promote diversity and inclusion in the climbing community and equal access to outdoor endeavors.
Dr. Constance Lightner to Join USA Climbing Board of Directors
Check out USA Climbing's author page.
Generation 5.16: Kai Lightner
Age 18 / Fayetteville, North Carolina
Highs and Lows: 2018 Bouldering Nationals
Commentary and analysis from the weekend’s Open National Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Evolv Announces Two Year USA Climbing Sponsorship, Kai Lightner Signature Shaman
Check out The Editors's author page.
Team USA Finishes Strong at IFSC Youth World Championships
Check out Caleb Sanderson's author page.
Stats: The Climbers that Have Sent Southern Smoke (5.14c)
Check out Hailey Moore's author page.
Shiraishi, Lightner Win 2017 Sport Climbing Nationals
Check out Liz Haas's author page.
The Wright Stuff: Finding the Value of Climbing in the Olympics
Check out Cedar Wright's author page.
USA Climbing 2017 Bouldering Nationals Highlights
Check out The Editors's author page.
Puccio, Coleman Win 2017 Bouldering Nationals
Check out Liz Haas's author page.
Flash: Reel Rock 11 Preview
Check out The Editors's author page.