Brooke Raboutou has been rewriting the script of competitive climbing since she was a kid. With deep roots in the sport and an unstoppable drive, she’s gone from youth prodigy to World Cup podiums to making Olympic history. Whether on plastic or real rock, Brooke continues to prove why she’s one of the most exciting climbers in the world today.
Below, we break down her rise, her recent milestones (including her historic ascent of Excalibur), and the questions people search for most — like her height, shoe choice, and Olympic performance — all without losing the soul of her story.
Early Life and Family: A Dynasty of Climbing
Brooke Raboutou was born on April 9, 2001, in Boulder, Colorado, and her path was practically written in stone. Her mother, Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou, is a four-time World Cup champion and a legendary figure in women’s climbing. Her father, Didier Raboutou, was a World Cup winner from France. Together, they didn’t just pass on great genes — they created a home environment built around passion for the sport.
Brooke’s older brother, Shawn Raboutou, is also a world-class climber known for pushing limits in bouldering. His outdoor accomplishments, like the first ascent of Alphane (V17), have earned him a reputation as one of the strongest boulderers on the planet.
Growing up with climbing walls in the garage and a global roster of climbing trips, Brooke was literally raised on the wall. But it wasn’t just about talent — it was about support, play, and a love for movement. Her mom coached her early on, but never pressured her into the sport. Instead, Brooke says it always felt natural, even fun: “Instead of ‘stop climbing that,’ it was ‘grab that, hang on that.’”
That foundation set the stage for a career that would shatter expectations.
How Tall is Brooke Raboutou?
A frequently searched question: how tall is Brooke Raboutou? She stands at 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm). While relatively petite compared to some of her competitors, Brooke’s success proves that height is far from a limitation. Her compact frame allows her to move with explosive control and precision, especially in powerful bouldering sequences. She’s become a role model for shorter climbers, showing that reach can be outmatched by creativity, technique, and pure tenacity.
Climbing Achievements: Youth Prodigy to World-Class Competitor
From the start, Brooke made waves. Some early highlights:
- At 9 years old, she climbed her first 5.13b.
- By 10, she had sent 5.13d.
- And at just 11, she became the youngest female climber to send 5.14b (8c).
These numbers weren’t just impressive — they were historic. And they foreshadowed what she’d go on to do as an adult competitor:
- Multiple IFSC World Cup medals in both lead and bouldering.
- First World Cup gold medal in bouldering in 2023 (Hachioji, Japan).
- Bronze medal at the 2023 IFSC World Championships (bouldering).
- Third overall in the 2023 bouldering season standings.
Brooke Raboutou and the Olympics
Tokyo 2020
Brooke qualified as one of the first U.S. Olympic climbers for Tokyo 2020. At just 18, she was already making history as climbing made its Olympic debut. She finished 5th overall, gaining worldwide attention and experience.
Did Brooke Raboutou Qualify for Paris 2024?
Yes — after a close call at the 2023 World Championships, Brooke clinched her Paris 2024 qualification through the Olympic Qualifier Series. She placed first in the combined bouldering and lead rankings, sealing her spot with confidence.
Paris 2024: Silver Medal Glory
In Paris, Brooke won silver in the women’s combined event, becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in climbing. The moment was powerful — not just for her, but for the sport’s growth in the U.S.
Brooke Raboutou Climbs Excalibur (5.15c)
In 2025, Brooke did something no woman had done before: she sent Excalibur, a 5.15c (9b+) sport route in Arco, Italy — one of the hardest climbs in the world. This marked the first female ascent of a 9b+ and was immediately hailed as a historic breakthrough.
The route is unforgiving, requiring power, precision, and endurance across its steep limestone. Brooke’s send puts her among the strongest climbers ever, and signals a new era for what’s possible in women’s climbing.
Brooke Raboutou Climbing Shoes
Brooke is often seen climbing in La Sportiva shoes, especially the Skwama and Solution models — both popular among elite climbers. These shoes are known for flexibility and precision, giving her the edge she needs on dynamic boulders and sharp lead routes.
While she’s a sponsored athlete with The North Face (for apparel), she trusts La Sportiva for performance footwear. Many climbers look to her shoe choices as a reflection of what works at the highest levels.
