Rising Star Luce Douady Dies at 16 years old
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On Sunday, June 14, 16-year-old Luce Douady died while hiking in Le Luisset, France. Douady was a rising French star on the competition circuit—she made waves after placing fifth in her first senior Bouldering World Cup in Vail, Colorado in 2019. She then earned her first youth title by placing first in the 2019 Youth Bouldering World Championships in Arco, Italy.
According to News 1, Douady was hiking with friends on an exposed trail when she slipped and fell over 150 meters (nearly 500 feet). She was near her home in Saint-Bernard.
Douady was a dynamic, powerful climber, well-suited for today’s modern skate-style boulders. But she was also versatile. She placed third in the 2019 Youth Lead World Championships and sent her first 8b+ (5.14a) just three weeks ago. She was considered a contender for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Douady shined off the mats as well; she was a talented musician and singer.
Douady would have turned 17 this coming November. The International Federation of Sport Climbing released a statement mourning her loss earlier this morning.
Feature image by Sytse van Slooten/IFSC
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