Endurance, and an engineering degree.
Jesse Grupper started climbing at six in New Jersey, after his parents signed his sister up for lessons, and was competing by nine. He studied mechanical engineering at Tufts, worked at the Harvard Biodesign Lab on exoskeletons for stroke patients, and has long coached climbers with disabilities.
On the World Cup he became one of the circuit’s best lead climbers. In 2022 he won in Briançon and Edinburgh and finished third overall. In 2023 he took gold at the Pan American Games in Santiago, which qualified him for Paris, where he finished 18th in the combined.
Outside he has sent routes up to 9a+, including Jaws II and Full Metal Brisket, and flashed 8c+. Jesse is a member of the Rhino Pro Team.
