Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Climbing

Alex Puccio’s Road to Recovery

Lock Icon

Unlock this article and more benefits with 40% off.

Already have an Outside Account? Sign in

Outside+ Logo

40% Off Outside+.
$4.99/month $2.99/month*

Get the one subscription to fuel all your adventures.


  • Map your next adventure with our premium GPS apps: Gaia GPS Premium and Trailforks Pro.
  • Read unlimited digital content from 15+ brands, including Outside Magazine, Triathlete, Ski, Trail Runner, and VeloNews.
  • Watch 600+ hours of endurance challenges, cycling and skiing action, and travel documentaries.
  • Learn from the pros with expert-led online courses.
Join Outside+

*Outside memberships are billed annually. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. More Details

Alex Puccio tore her ACL, MCL, and meniscus while warming up before qualifiers at the IFSC Bouldering World Cup in Vail, Colorado last year. Despite the injury and after a visit to the emergency room, she hobbled
around on crutches among the crowd to cheer on her teammates through Semi-Finals and Finals. Her season was over.

“Setbacks can be very hard, but you must not give up!” she posted on Facebook following the accident. “Keep pushing to your goals, if you don’t give up
you will make it!”

A few months after surgery, she was back on real rock, sending V13 with a knee-brace on. This video captures her “Road to Recovery.”

Featured boulder problems:

Irreversible (V13), Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Don’t Get Too Greedy (V13), Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Free Range (V13), Boulder Canyon, Colorado

Crown of Aragorn (V13), Hueco Tanks, Texas

Nagual (V13), Hueco Tanks, Texas

Tequila Sunrise (V12), Hueco Tanks, Texas

Slashface (V13), Hueco Tanks, Texas

Film by Josh Troob and Joel Zerr / Height Films & Zerr Productions.