In recent years, climbing sports have surged in popularity across Malaysia, with new gyms sprouting up in urban areas and a growing community of enthusiasts taking to the walls.
What was once considered a niche sport is now attracting a diverse range of people, from those seeking a new challenge to others looking for a unique way to stay fit.
This newfound interest has given rise to a vibrant rock climbing culture, with more Malaysians than ever discovering the thrill of the ascent.
Amidst this growing wave of climbers is Renee Tan, a young woman whose journey through the sport is both inspiring and emblematic of this new wave of Malaysian climbers.
Discovering a new passion during the pandemic
Renee Tan’s journey into the world of rock climbing began during the most unlikely of times—the COVID-19 pandemic.
While many were stuck at home and searching for ways to stay physically active, Renee found herself drawn to the walls of Bump Bouldering in Jaya One, PJ. It was a newfound freedom that led her there.
When Covid came, that was when I began rock climbing,” Renee recalls. “Before that, I didn’t have the means or mode of transport to pursue it. But in 2020, I could finally drive myself to the gym, and that’s when I decided to go all in.”
Despite the challenges of lockdowns, Renee’s passion for rock climbing only grew stronger. She dove deep into online resources, learning everything she could about the sport.
“I spent countless hours watching videos, reading about techniques, and just absorbing as much as I could. I wanted to improve, even when I couldn’t physically be at the gym,” she shares.
From self-learning to professional coaching
Renee’s initial foray into rock climbing was one of self-discovery, where she relied on her own determination to learn the ropes. But as her passion deepened, she realised the importance of having professional guidance.
“I knew I needed more than just self-learning after my first AUG competition,” she says. “That’s when I took on coaching with Aina Zulkifli for professional guidance.”
“Then, I started training under both Aina and the national bouldering coach from Climbing Malaysia, Safwan Zainal after my first debut in an IFSC World Cup.
I took on two coaches because I believe both their guidance together will be more beneficial for long-term success in the sport and they really played a huge role in my progress, where they helped me refine my techniques and pushed me to new levels.”
The climbing community also became a cornerstone of Renee’s growth. “The climbing community is amazing.
People are always willing to share their betas, guide you through routes, and just be there for support. Climbing with people who are better than you really pushes you to improve,” she says.
First major challenge: ASEAN University Games
Renee’s first real test in rock climbing came in the form of the ASEAN University Games (AUG) in 2022, a year after she had started climbing.
“I was thrilled and terrified at the same time,” she admits. “I had only been climbing for a year and suddenly, I was selected to compete in both bouldering and speed climbing at an international event. It was surreal.”
That was my first ever competition, and it was a huge international one. Competing against some of the best climbers in the region made me realise how much I still had to learn,” she says.
The challenges were significant, where Renee had to work with limited training facilities and cope with the pressure of competing against seasoned athletes.
We didn’t have the proper facilities to train for speed climbing, and that definitely showed. But it also fueled my desire to get better. I wanted to keep pushing myself, to see how far I could go.”
Overcoming injuries and loss
In 2023, Renee’s climbing journey hit a major roadblock when she suffered a serious ankle injury just days before a major competition in Thailand.
I took a high fall and tore a ligament in my ankle. I thought I could just walk it off, but the pain was intense. When I got the scan, I knew I was in trouble,” she recalls.
The injury sidelined her for three months, right in the middle of her competition season. “It was devastating. I got quite emotional, wondering if I was going to lose all the progress I’d made. But I knew I couldn’t give up.”
During this time, Renee was also training to take part in the Obstacle Course Race SEA Games 2023, which played a crucial role in maintaining her upper body strength.
Due to my injury, I couldn’t really do much except for upper body workouts and some ankle rehab. But training for the obstacle course race helped me stay strong,” she explains.
Her recovery was further aided by the Institute of Sports, Malaysia (ISN), where she underwent almost daily rehab for her ankle.
Thanks to ISN, my recovery was much smoother. The rehab sessions were intense, but they made a huge difference in getting me back on track.”
As a result, she managed to participate in the SEA Games Obstacle Course Race as scheduled.
Renee turned her focus to recovery, maintaining her strength through upper body and mobility exercises. “I did a lot of personal training because I didn’t want to lose my edge. It was tough, but I had to keep going,” she says.
The support from her friends and coach played a crucial role during this period. “A lot of climbers know it’s about whether you can mentally push through. My friends reassured me that I could come back stronger, and that kept me going.”
As if the physical challenges weren’t enough, Renee also faced the emotional turmoil of losing her mother.
She was my biggest supporter, the one person who truly understood me. Her loss left a void that’s hard to fill, but I know she would want me to keep climbing, to keep pushing myself,” she shares.
“Climbing has been a source of healing for me, helping me process the grief in small ways. My mother always supported my passion, though she also wanted me to have a stable job, especially given the challenges of making a career out of climbing in Malaysia.”
“The sport isn’t as widely recognised here, and financial support is scarce, but her belief in me continues to drive my determination to keep going.”
Giving back to the climbing community
With her resilience tested and her passion undiminished, Renee is looking forward to making her mark on the global rock climbing stage. Her short-term goal is to compete in more international competitions, especially in Singapore, where the competition is fierce.
In the short term, I’m aiming to be a finalist or even podium in the Singapore open category competitions,” she reveals. “The climbers there are incredibly strong, and it’s a great challenge for me.”
But her ambitions don’t stop there. In the long term, Renee dreams of competing in the IFSC Climbing World Cups and making it to the semi-finals.
“Competing on the world stage is a dream of mine, and I’m ready to work hard for it,” she says with determination.
Beyond her personal goals, Renee is passionate about giving back to the climbing community that supported her throughout her journey.
I want to open my own climbing gym one day, where I can share my knowledge and inspire the next generation of climbers.
“My message to aspiring climbers is simple: keep climbing, stay curious, and always learn from those around you. The community is your greatest resource,” she says with a smile.
Renee’s story is not just about overcoming challenges; it’s about building a legacy. With her eyes set on the future, she is determined to foster a vibrant climbing culture in Malaysia and help others achieve their potential.
I want to see Malaysia on the global climbing map, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey,” she concludes.
This story is brought to you by Red Bull. Check out Renee’s video here:
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