Jimena Alarcón in Pictures: from Spanish Crags to Global Climbing Venues
By Alexander Ross
Climbing is no longer confined to remote wilderness areas. Over the past decade, urban gyms have turned into major community centers, and Alarcón has been instrumental in that transformation across Spain. When the first Sharma Climbing gym opened in Barcelona, followed by flagship locations in Madrid and Gavà, the endeavor required sophisticated operational leadership to succeed.
While cameras frequently caught Chris Sharma testing routes on modern wooden walls, Alarcón worked across executive strategy, facility design, and community outreach. Photos from the grand openings of the Barcelona and Madrid facilities depict a leader coordinating logistics, managing staff, and welcoming thousands of urban climbers into the fold.
Her work ensured these spaces remained true to the ethos of the outdoor community while meeting the rigorous commercial standards of modern European sports facilities. She helped build gym environments that reflect the warmth and accessibility she prioritized throughout her climbing career, creating welcoming entry points for newcomers while providing top-tier training walls for the continent's strongest athletes.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
