The young South African climber combines elite training with a passion for giving back, all while navigating the demands of competing internationally.
Pretoria, South Africa (14 April 2026) – At just 19 years old, Caitlin Bouwer is already carving out an impressive path in the world of sport climbing, but her journey is about far more than medals and international competitions.
Her story begins in 2017 when her parents opened a climbing gym. At the time, Caitlin was still focused on netball, but it didn’t take long for the walls of the gym to reshape her ambitions. What started as curiosity quickly turned into commitment, and she soon left netball behind to pursue climbing full-time.
A spontaneous decision would change everything. Encouraged by her parents to enter a competition just days before it took place, a young Caitlin (then only around 10 or 11 years old) finished second. She found a deep love for the sport, setting her on a competitive path that continues to grow.
Over the past four years, Caitlin has represented South Africa on the international stage, with one of her standout moments being her first open World Cup event in Spain. Travelling alone, she navigated a new country while competing at the highest level. This was an experience she describes as both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
“It was quite an experience, having to figure out a completely foreign country on my own,” she reflects.
Training at an elite level demands serious discipline. Caitlin trains five to six days a week, spending up to four hours a day combining climbing and power training. Yet, like many young athletes, she also places importance on balance. Making time for friends and family, often using Sundays to recharge.
Beyond the climbing wall, Caitlin’s heart lies in giving back. For the past few years, she has volunteered at Pretoria Dog Rescue, where she spends time caring for and socialising rescued dogs. It’s a space that brings her joy and perspective outside of competition.
“It’s something I’m very passionate about.”
Now, Caitlin has her sights set on a World Series event in Slovenia this September. However, like many athletes in less-funded sports, she faces a significant hurdle: financing her dream. She is currently self-funding her journey while juggling multiple responsibilities, and time is running out to secure the necessary travel and accommodation.
Despite the pressure, her focus is to improve on last year’s performance and compete with confidence on the world stage.
For those who would like to support Caitlin’s journey and help her represent South Africa internationally, more information and donation details can be found here.
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