Scott Cory - Climbing Record Breaker

Scott Cory knows how to make it up The Nose in one day. He’s also good with the Half Dome and Welcome to the Slabs of Koricancha. He’s been sponsored by North Face and has taken first in countless national, regional, and international competitions. Did I mention he’s only 17?

Cory started climbing when he was seven, and immediately became a Big Deal. By eight, he was climbing in Yosemite Valley, taking fifth in his first National Championships, and being allowed a place in the USA Climbing Team. He was the youngest member ever to earn that honor, but it wasn’t enough. He later got into bouldering and took a spot on the USA Climbing Youth Bouldering Team in 2006.

Perhaps what he is best known for, however, is his two record-breaking climbs: The Nose and Half Dome. In 2001 and 2003, respectively, he made history by being the youngest person ever to climb each in under a day. The Nose was especially important, as he climbed it in front of a crowd of people in October, right after September 11th, to raise money for the victims and families of that tragic day.

These days, Cory has gotten more and more into bouldering, and this year climbed a climb 5.13d/5.14a. He continues to work for charities and holds auctions every now and then to raise money and donate gear for a good cause. Even though he leads a high-profile life, he maintains his good grades and still hangs out with his friends like any other 17-year-old.