# Justin Salas Sets Blind Climbing Record

> Justin Salas becomes first blind climber to send 5.13c route after Olympic exclusion.
- Title: Justin Salas Sets Blind Climbing Record · Climbing | Shortify
- Summary: Justin Salas becomes first blind climber to send 5.13c route after Olympic exclusion. Justin Salas, a visually impaired climber, sent America's Most Wanted…
- Keywords: justin salas, seahawks, seattle, nfl, sports, travel, Justin, Salas, Sets, Blind, Climbing, Record
- Source: Climbing — https://climbing.com/news/justin-salas-first-known-blind-climber-to-send-513c
- Author: Sam MacIlwaine
- Published: 2026-10-21T18:06:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: justin salas, seahawks, seattle, nfl, sports, travel
## Justin Salas
Justin Salas, a 33-year-old American climber, became the first visually impaired athlete to climb 5.13c.

> I feel completely blind.
## Olympic Exclusion
Salas was excluded from the 2028 Paralympics four months before sending America's Most Wanted.

> I got pushed out of the Olympics.
## America's Most Wanted
America's Most Wanted (5.13c) is a 35-foot cave climb at Mount Charleston near Las Vegas.

> The movement’s crazy rad.
## Climbing Background
Salas started climbing at 21 and has sent over 20 double-digit boulders, winning six national titles.

> I ticked my first v11, worm turns in joe’s valley, in 2018 after just three years of climbing.
## Vision Loss
Salas developed bilateral optic atrophy at age 14, retaining peripheral vision but no central vision.

> I have no central vision in either eye.
## Climbing Challenge
Salas had to memorize holds and anticipate quickdraw directions for America's Most Wanted.

> I have to memorize everything.
## Redpoint Crux
The redpoint crux required a single V7 move with a three-finger drag and full wingspan.

> It’s a super accuracy-dependent move.
## Overcoming Failure
Salas fell 15 times before successfully completing the redpoint crux with Cam Hörst's help.

> I fell there many, many, many dozens of times.
## Olympic Impact
Salas was excluded from the 2028 Paralympics because the B2 category was not included.

> It hit me really, really hard.
## Climbing Progress
Salas sent America's Most Wanted after four months of preparation following Olympic exclusion.

> I was like, 'I just want to go climb the things that are exciting to me that look rad.'
## Climbing Technique
Salas uses tapping with his feet to locate holds and feels the grip before committing.

> Each tap, if you can imagine, is like a drop in a puddle.
## Mental Challenge
Salas experienced a blackout moment during the redpoint crux, unable to visualize the move.

> I legit have a blackout moment right there.
## Olympic Future
Salas plans to compete in the 2032 Paralympics if the B2 category is no longer excluded.

> I’m going to be in my late thirties then, and I might not even be competitive.
## Climbing Community
Salas is the first blind climber to send 5.13c, a record for visually impaired athletes.

> I think this is it.
## Future Goals
Salas aims to climb 5.14s after completing America's Most Wanted.

> I think you have so much more to give than that route, dude.
## Conclusion
Salas successfully sent America's Most Wanted, becoming the first blind climber to send 5.13c.

> It’s really an absolute blessing to get it done.
## Key takeaway

Justin Salas, a visually impaired climber, sent America's Most Wanted (5.13c) after being excluded from the 2028 Paralympics.