Jimena Alarcón Fact Check: Career, Family Ties, and the Sharma Brand
By James H. Sterling
The year 2015 brought two major milestones: the couple's wedding and the official opening of Sharma Climbing BCN in Barcelona. Opening an indoor climbing facility in Spain was a considerable business gamble. While Catalans were famous for crushing outdoor limestone, indoor commercial gyms in the country were often cramped, poorly ventilated community co-ops tucked into industrial basements.
Sharma and Alarcón envisioned something entirely different. They wanted a light-filled, expansive training ground that offered top-tier bouldering alongside community spaces, high-end yoga studios, and welcoming amenities for beginners. Alarcón stepped directly into operations, community integration, and aesthetic direction. While Sharma brought the international athletic pedigree and route-setting standards, Alarcón focused on creating an inclusive atmosphere that would attract urban professionals, youth teams, and families.
The success of the Barcelona location reshaped the local sports scene. It proved that climbing gyms in Southern Europe could function as vibrant lifestyle centers rather than just rainy-day backup plans for elite rock athletes. Within months, Sharma Climbing BCN became a cultural landmark within the Barcelona climbing community.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
