DENVER: Kuwait’s Nasser Borjaib is climbing his way into the Arab record books — literally. At the 2025 Climbing World Cup in Denver, the 24-year-old became the first Arab athlete to break the six-second barrier in speed climbing, scaling the official 15-metre wall in an astonishing 5.8 seconds.
It’s a feat that’s not just impressive, it’s historic — especially when you consider the challenges Borjaib faces back home. Kuwait doesn’t even have an official speed wall to train on. “I just do the best I can with what I have,” he shared, clearly proud of the breakthrough performance that’s put his country on the international climbing map.
With his blistering run, Borjaib now joins the elite global circle of climbers who’ve cracked the six-second mark, a milestone that separates top contenders from the rest in the speed climbing world. But more than personal glory, he’s aiming to shine a spotlight on the potential of athletes in the Arab region and elevate Kuwait’s presence on the world climbing stage.
The Denver crowd roared as Nasser Borjaib’s 5.8 seconds lit up the scoreboard, a moment that not only advanced him to the later rounds of the competition but also ignited conversations across the global climbing community. His achievement comes at a time when the sport is growing fast, thanks to its inclusion in the Olympic Games and a growing fan base worldwide.
Now, with Nasser Borjaib’s 5.8 seconds run cemented in the World Cup record books, he’s proving that passion and perseverance can overcome even the most technical limitations — like not having the right facilities at home.
And with that, Borjaib isn’t just racing to the top — he’s bringing a whole new generation of climbers along with him.
