KAI LIGHTNER
Professional Climber
"As one of very few African Americans at the top of my sport, I've spent my entire career trying to utilize my platform to help others and be an example of not allowing stereotypes and societal pressures limit your possibilities."
- Kai Lightner
12 National Championship Titles
Five-time IFSC Youth World Championship medalist
At the age of 15, Kai became the Open/Adult Lead Climbing National Champion in his first year of eligibility.
3-Time Pan American Champion
BIO
Kai started climbing in gyms at the age of 6. Only four years later he won his first National Championship. Since then he’s won a total of 12 National Championships.
He’s currently enrolled in Babson College and focused on school, training, and working with organizations focused on minority outreach in outdoor spaces.
Kai founded a nonprofit organization, Climbing for Change, that’s a vehicle to connect community leaders with companies in order to fund numerous DEI initiatives within the industry.
PRESS / AWARDS / MORE
Starred in Jimmy Chin’s Got Milk Commerical #GonnaNeedAMilk
Major Sponsors: Clifbar, Adidas, Evolv, Perfect Descent
“Kai Lightner’s Plan to Make Climbing More Inclusive” (OUTSIDE)
Kai Lightner on Changing the Face of Climbing and Forming Healthy Habits” (UPROXX)
