Biography:
Alex Puccio (born Alexandrea Elizabeth Cocca on June 15, 1989, in McKinney, Texas) is a professional climber specializing in bouldering. Puccio started climbing in 2002 at the age of thirteen, with her mother. She quickly developed a passion for the sport, and her natural talent became evident as she excelled in competitions.
In 2006, at just seventeen years old, Puccio participated in the U.S. Bouldering Championships for the first time and won the title. She continued her winning streak, claiming victory in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Puccio’s dominance in the American Bouldering Series earned her an impressive eleven titles.
Puccio’s success was not limited to the national circuit. She competed in the World Cup bouldering climbing in 2008, 2009, and 2010, consistently making it to the finals. Her breakthrough year came in 2011 when she secured a spot on the podium five times, with three second places and two third places.
Known for her exceptional strength and agility, Puccio has conquered over two dozen boulders graded V12 (8A+) across the United States and Europe. Her determination and hard work paid off when she achieved a significant milestone in her career on July 2, 2014. Puccio ascended Top Notch in Rocky Mountain National Park, becoming the fourth-ever woman to climb a V13 (8B) graded boulder. Just a month later, she added to her impressive record by climbing Jade, solidifying her position in the climbing community.
Despite facing challenges along the way, Puccio’s resilience and commitment to her sport have been remarkable. In June 2015, she sustained a season-ending knee injury during the IFSC World Cup competition in Vail, Colorado. Despite a predicted six months of inactivity, Puccio made a remarkable recovery and was back climbing V13 (8B) by October 2015.
In February 2016, Puccio demonstrated her unwavering determination by winning the Hueco Tanks ‘Rock Rodeo,’ competing against world-class climbers. She also achieved an extraordinary feat, completing three V13 (8B) boulders during the week-long event, making her the most productive female climber in history.
Unfortunately, Puccio faced another setback in June 2016 when doctors discovered a herniated disk between the C5 and C6 vertebrae. Despite the pain and weakness she experienced during the finals of the 2016 bouldering World Cup in Vail, Colorado, Puccio pushed through and continued to climb.
Puccio’s resilience and tenacity were once again on display in December 2016 when she conquered the iconic razor blade climb, Terre De Sienne, graded V13 (8B) at Hueco Tanks. This accomplishment marked her 15th climb of this difficulty level.
Throughout her career, Alex Puccio has not only impressed the climbing community with her exceptional skill but has also inspired aspiring climbers worldwide. Her dedication to her sport and her ability to overcome adversity make her a role model for both men and women in the climbing world.
Awards:
– Eleven-time American Bouldering Series champion
– Third place overall in the World Cup bouldering competitions in 2011 and 2013
– Second place overall in the 2014 Climbing World Championship bouldering competition
– Winner of the Hueco Tanks ‘Rock Rodeo’ in February 2016