Hazel Findlay has been at the forefront of climbing for nearly three decades, starting her journey at just six years old on the limestone cliffs of Pembrokeshire, Wales. A former British junior champion, Hazel made a bold decision at the age of sixteen to leave behind competitive climbing in favor of pursuing professional rock climbing. Since then, she has made history, becoming the first woman to climb a British trad route at v15, the first British woman to sport climb 8c, and the first woman to free climb (climb without ropes) El Capitan in Yosemite—a feat she has now accomplished four times. She has been the first to ascend climbs in some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations, including Greenland’s big walls.

While Hazel’s achievements in climbing are legendary, she is equally passionate about the mental side of the sport. With a deep interest in psychology, Hazel trained as a coach to help others overcome the psychological barriers that often accompany climbing and other high-performance activities. Through her company, Strong Mind, Hazel offers a range of online courses and resources aimed at helping individuals manage fear, build resilience, and perform at their best. Her coaching has proven invaluable to climbers looking to push their limits, but it has also extended to other industries, where Hazel works as a speaker and corporate trainer, teaching mindset and flow techniques to organizations seeking to improve team performance. Through both her personal accomplishments and her deep desire to assist others mentally, Hazel continues to inspire me to reach new heights, both mentally and physically.