U.S. climber Jesse Grupper vividly recalls the pivotal moment at 16 when his world suddenly shifted with agonizing pain in his abdomen, marking the onset of symptoms that led to a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Initially dismissing it as food poisoning or stress-related discomfort during finals, Grupper soon realized the seriousness of his condition when symptoms recurred.

Navigating the challenges of living with ulcerative colitis, which includes unpredictable flare-ups exacerbated by stress, Grupper found himself reassessing his relationship with climbing—a sport he cherished for its physical and mental demands. Reflecting on those uncertain times, he shared, “I was really nervous about how this condition would affect my climbing career. It made me reevaluate my connection with climbing in profound ways.”

Despite these setbacks, Grupper’s resilience and determination shone through. Just three years after diagnosis, he triumphed at the 2019 USA Climbing Sport Open Nationals. However, the journey was fraught with setbacks, notably in January 2021, when a severe colitis flare-up hospitalized him for a week. His father Jonathan recalled the harrowing experience, describing Grupper’s state as he battled through a critical period of illness.

Yet, Grupper’s spirit refused to yield. Amid the uncertainty of his competitive climbing future, he discovered a profound sense of purpose in helping others facing their own challenges. At age 18, Grupper became a coach for Peak Potential, a nonprofit empowering children with disabilities through bouldering—a role that resonated deeply due to his firsthand experience with overcoming adversity.

“I remember a seventh grader who I worked with in this program,” Grupper recounted. “He had cerebral palsy and struggled initially, but by the end of the program, he was able to conquer almost all of the walls. It was a transformative experience seeing how this opportunity could change his life.”

Grupper’s passion for climbing began at just six years old, quickly progressing to the senior bouldering team at his local gym under the guidance of coach Randi Goldberg, who noted his unexpected ascent to the finals. This early success fueled Grupper’s dedication to the sport, culminating in his decision to pursue climbing full-time in 2022.

While accolades like winning gold at the 2023 Pan American Games underscore his prowess, Grupper emphasizes that winning is just a fleeting moment compared to the enduring adventure of climbing itself. “For me, it’s just way more valuable to be involved in the sport for a long period of time,” he explained.

Beyond climbing, Grupper’s impact extends into mechanical engineering and biomedical research. As a student at Tufts University and later at Harvard’s Biodesign Lab, he focused on developing assistive devices for individuals with disabilities, including stroke survivors. His innovative work aimed to restore mobility and independence, offering tangible improvements in patients’ lives.

Looking ahead, Grupper’s journey might lead to the pinnacle of Olympic competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, yet his focus remains steadfast on making a lasting difference through his dual passions: climbing and engineering. “Being able to push myself as a climber and physically better myself is one thing,” he reflected, “but providing an opportunity for another person to push themselves—that’s truly impactful and meaningful in my life.”