Teenager Oriane Bertone is already a force in French climbing. In 2023, Bertone captured her first IFSC World Cup win to announce her arrival as a serious contender for a podium at Paris 2024.
Bertone was born on the remote French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean to an Italian father and a French mother. Growing up, she was surrounded by a family that was deeply embedded in sports, with siblings who were climbing enthusiasts and a father who excelled in judo. Young Oriane found her playground in the scenic surroundings of the island.
"As a child, you just want to climb everywhere in trees and walls," she recalled in an interview with Olympics.com. "That is what was fun about it. It was just natural. I started climbing outside, and being outside just felt amazing. I've always liked nature, and we always went hiking with my parents."
Joining a climbing club at eight, her passion turned into a promising future. At just 12, she became the youngest-ever climber to conquer a V14 (8B+) boulder problem. Three years later, she upped the ante, becoming the fourth female climber to master a V15 (8C) test. The following year, she claimed victory in both bouldering and lead in the Youth B category of the IFSC Youth World Championships.
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