Greater heights

Para-climbing will make its debut at Los Angeles in 2028.

Gerrard is aiming for his fourth Paralympics. Because why not?

Australian Paralympic Indoor Climbing Team Development Squad

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined the Australian Paralympic Indoor Climbing Team Development Squad. We’ve just completed an intensive weekend training camp in Sydney.

The camp included on-wall training, seminars, and strength and conditioning tests, along with valuable feedback to help me improve and prepare for the future.

Huge thanks to everyone supporting me on this journey — I’m excited to keep pushing my limits and work towards Paralympic success!

-GG

Gerrard wearing green AUS team shirt holding up a block containing a rolled up length of rope. A symbol of his membership to the Australian paralympic climbing team
Paralympic climbing team members lying on the floor, an empty wheelchair in the foreground, the climbing walls extending above them into the top of the shot.
Long vertical shot of a woode indoor climbing wall with many different shaped different climbing holds. Gerrard, holding onto a large blue wedge shaped hold as he feels for a place to grim with his right. His guide ropes extend to the top of the pic.
Gerrard with a very pained look on his face holding onto a bar out of frame at the bottom of the shot. Maximum effort!

Indoor Rock Climbing

Para-climbing will make its historic Paralympic debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. This groundbreaking opportunity inspired Gerrard to pursue his fourth Paralympic appearance, partnering with climbing guide Dylan to prepare for competition.

In December 2024, Gerrard achieved a significant milestone by winning gold in the B1 class at the Oceania National Titles in Sydney, Australia. This victory not only qualified him for the development squad for the Indoor Climbing Paralympic Australian Team but also positioned him as a promising athlete in this newly emerging Paralympic sport.

His success demonstrates the transformative power of adaptive sports, showcasing how determination and skill can break barriers and create new opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

Gerrard climbing up a steep overhang wall, with Dylan guiding from the ground.
Closeup of Gerrard climbing up a series of orange hand and footholds
Gerrard and Dylan talking about how they're going to tackle a large climbing wall looming in the background
Gerrard and Dylan deep in conversation, Dylan looking up toward another climber above them
Gerrard relaxing on a large yellow mat while another climber tackles a large challenging wall in the background
Gerrard and Dylan standing side-by-side after Gerrard's medal presentation. Gerrard's gold medal is hanging around his neck on a green and gold ribbon

What’s Next?

Gerrard and Dylan's national title in the Oceania competition has earned them a spot in additional events for Paralympic qualification.

Here are some planned for 2025:

  • Salt Lake City (20-21 May)

  • Queensland Lead Titles (14-15 June)

  • Innsbruck, Austria (23-25 June)

  • Seoul, South Korea (21-26 September)

  • Laval, Quebec, Canada (24-27 October)