Introduction

Natalia Grossman is one of Robyn Erbesfield's ABC Climbing youth prodigies alongside Olympians Brooke Raboutou and Colin Duffy. In 2019, Grossman signalled great things to come with a 7th place just outside finals in the 2019 IFSC Boulder World Cup in Vail. COVID-19 disruption ensued, and Grossman returned to the circuit in 2021 with a 3rd place in the Meiringen World Cup followed by two back-to-back wins in Vail and another 2nd place in Innsbruck, securing the overall win.

Grossman's strong mindset and composure in make or break moments - along with her signature smile - soon became talking points. Her prowess continued into Lead World Cups, with four consecutive Lead podiums and a silver medal overall. To cap off her break-out year, Grossman became World Champion in Boulder and vice-World Champion in Lead.

A 2nd place to Janja Garnbret in the Meiringen Boulder World Cup kicked off Grossman's 2022 season. She went on to win the next four rounds in Garnbret's absence and the overall title, raising questions as to which woman would have won in head-to-head competition. Two Lead World Cup podiums and a silver in the IFSC Boulder & Lead announced great potential for 2023, the Olympic qualification year.

Grossman's 2023 season was not as consistent as in previous years due to lllness and mental game issues in competition. A shaky performance in Bern raised concerns about her Olympic form, but she peaked just in time at a high-pressure continental competition.

Qualification route

Pan American Games Santiago - 1st place

A nervy battle between Grossman and compatriot Brooke Raboutou ended in Grossman's favour and flipped the standings. Grossman qualified for the final in 2nd place by 0.01 points behind Raboutou, then dominated the Boulder final with a 14.9 point advantage. In Lead, Raboutou's superior performance wasn't enough to knock Grossman off the top spot; in fact, Grossman had locked-out Raboutou from victory mathematically before she had even set foot on the wall.

Trivia

Grossman is of Mexican heritage. Her motto in competition is 'smile and fight'.

UKC prediction

Following a difficult 2023 season, Grossman appears to be returning to her 2021/2022 form with a newfound confidence. She is certainly a medal contender if her health and headspace align with her training.