María Laborda: The Speed Climbing Pioneer Inspiring a New Generation

María Laborda Sagaste, a 21-year-old athlete from Ejea de los Caballeros, Zaragoza, is rapidly becoming a household name in the world of speed climbing. Her dedication and success have not only propelled her to the forefront of the sport in Spain but have also ignited a passion for climbing among young women across the country. Laborda’s journey, beginning in 2021, has been marked by consistent progress and a string of impressive results on both the national and international stage.

From Local Competitions to International Recognition

Laborda’s introduction to climbing came alongside the modernization of speed climbing in Spain in 2018. Initially, participation in competitions required athletes to train in all three disciplines – difficulty, bouldering, and speed. Laborda quickly distinguished herself, demonstrating a particular aptitude for speed climbing. “I consider that This proves a modality that I became very fond of, since I am a very nervous girl and I love to climb, but above all I love to run,” she explained. This natural inclination, combined with her competitive spirit, laid the foundation for her future success.

Her early achievements included becoming the first Spanish woman to achieve notable results with the Spanish national climbing team in speed climbing. This breakthrough was pivotal, sparking increased interest in the discipline among women and girls in Spain. Laborda’s success wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was about opening doors and inspiring a new generation of climbers. “From then on, women and girls became interested in the discipline, creating a boom in this modality within the national scope,” she stated, proudly acknowledging her role as a pioneer.

A Rising Star on the European Circuit

Laborda’s ascent continued in 2022 and 2023, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in European speed climbing. In 2022, she secured a bronze medal at the European Youth Championships in Augsburg, Germany, and finished as the runner-up at the European Cup in Žilina, Slovakia. She also achieved a commendable 5th place finish at the World Youth Championships in Dallas, Texas – one of her best international results to date. The following year, in 2023, she added another silver medal at the European Youth Cup in Tarnów, Poland, further demonstrating her consistency and competitive edge.

Her performance in 2025 continued to impress, winning the speed event at the Copa de España in Mijas. Laborda consistently maintains a presence on the international calendar, focusing almost exclusively on speed climbing. According to the IFSC, she currently holds a ranking of 8th in the International Speed Master Meishan 2025 competition held in China on October 25, 2025. Her dedication to this specialized discipline is a testament to her focused ambition and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Madrid World Climbing Series: A Home Advantage

This year, Laborda will compete at the World Climbing Series Comunidad de Madrid, scheduled to take place from May 28th to 31st in Alcobendas. This event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time speed and bouldering disciplines are included in the competition. The event will host approximately 300 athletes from both men’s and women’s categories, bringing together some of the world’s best climbers. Laborda expressed her excitement about competing on home soil, stating, “I am an athlete who grows a lot when my family, my friends, my loved ones are there, so I am happy that a World Cup is being held at home. We will place on a show, I at least really desire to.”

What Sets Speed Climbing Apart?

Speed climbing is a unique and exhilarating discipline within the broader sport of climbing. As the name suggests, the objective is to ascend a standardized 15-meter wall as quickly as possible. Unlike difficulty climbing, which emphasizes technical skill and endurance, or bouldering, which focuses on powerful, short movements, speed climbing demands explosive power, precise technique, and lightning-rapid reflexes. Laborda describes it as a discipline where “at the end, you risk everything in a few seconds and there is a lot of room for error.” She also notes that speed climbers tend to be the most powerful athletes in the climbing world, requiring significant strength and speed.

A Trailblazer for Spanish Climbing

Laborda’s impact extends beyond her individual achievements. She was the first female speed climber to represent Spain on the international stage, a role she embraces with pride. “It’s a merit that I’ve always attributed to myself because, I was the first to move forward, the first in Spain,” she said. In her early years with the national team, she was the only woman among a team of men, a testament to her pioneering spirit and determination. Her success has paved the way for other Spanish women to pursue speed climbing, creating a more inclusive and competitive landscape.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations

Following her victory at the Spanish Speed Cup last year, Laborda has set her sights on even greater achievements. The current season is underway, with national selection events taking place to determine the team for upcoming international competitions. Her immediate goals include improving her personal best time and qualifying for all of the World Cups. “We have just started the season, the other day we had a national qualifier, next week we have another and we are starting little by little,” she explained. “In fact, the World Cup is the first competition for speedsters, so little by little throughout the year we hope to lower the mark, which we are sure we will do, and be able to qualify for all the World Cups.”

A Message to Aspiring Climbers

Laborda’s journey has been filled with challenges, but she emphasizes the importance of perseverance and passion. She acknowledges that the path of an athlete is never easy, but encourages aspiring climbers to stay true to their dreams. “The path of athletes is never easy, it’s not all flowers, and in the end there will always be something that will make you think things, that will make you back down,” she said. However, she ultimately finds joy in the sport itself, stating, “But when I climb, I am the girl who played in the schoolyard, I have an incredible time climbing. That’s what fills me, continuing to do it and continuing to fight for what I want and for what little María dreamed of.”

María Laborda’s story is one of dedication, perseverance, and inspiration. As she prepares for the World Climbing Series Comunidad de Madrid and continues to push the boundaries of speed climbing, she serves as a role model for aspiring athletes and a symbol of the growing popularity of the sport in Spain and beyond.

Next up: Laborda will be competing at the World Climbing Series Comunidad de Madrid from May 28th to 31st. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates and coverage of the event.