| Chris Sharma, who is he and why has he attained an | | | | Realization are two of the legendary rock climbs of |
| A list like celebrity status in the world of rock | | | | this decade, both dreams fulfilled before his 21st |
| climbing? The quiet and mostly unassuming Chris | | | | birthday and thereby cementing his place in rock |
| Omprakash Sharma was born in California on the 23rd | | | | climbing history. |
| of April 1981. He started rock climbing at 12 years of | | | | Through the years Chris has not only astounded |
| age, nothing extraordinary in that, even though he | | | | critics and enthusiasts with excellent ascents one |
| was quite young it was not unheard of. The | | | | after the other but he has also found time to win |
| beginning of his legendary status however would | | | | three other notable competitions namely the 1999 X |
| start two years later when he won the Boulder | | | | Games Bouldering, the 2007 and 2008 Bouldering |
| Nationals at just 14 years of age. Further proving his | | | | champions. Although very well known he is often |
| skill as a rock climber a year later Chris accomplished | | | | described as reclusive and soft spoken even |
| a 5.14c climb which then for the American rating | | | | preferring to travel and rock climb alone in different |
| system was rated the highest climb. | | | | countries. He chose only a handful of endorsements |
| It was called Necessary Evil. He has had in the years | | | | like Sanuk, Sterling ropes, and Nutriex instead of |
| after Necessary Evil push on to accomplish more than | | | | cashing in on his popularity choosing instead to |
| a dozen noteworthy ascents. The Mandala and | | | | devote most of his time further perfecting his skills. |