In a recent training camp in France, professional climber Sara Qunaibet suffered a severe accident due to improper use of a GriGri belay device by her coach. The incident, captured on video, shows Qunaibet falling approximately 13 meters from the top of the climbing wall after the belayer failed to manage the device correctly.
The fall resulted in significant injuries, including a broken back and broken feet, necessitating multiple surgeries. Qunaibet faced an arduous recovery journey, being unable to walk for three months and undergoing extensive rehabilitation to relearn walking. The entire recovery process is expected to span at least nine months, with additional surgeries planned to remove plates and screws inserted during initial treatments.
Expressing her frustration, Qunaibet highlighted the lack of accountability from those responsible. She noted that the accident was dismissed as an inherent risk of sport climbing, leaving her to navigate the aftermath alone. Upon returning home, she struggled for months to secure basic healthcare, a situation she found deeply disappointing given her status as a national team athlete.
The climbing community has reacted strongly to the incident, emphasising the critical importance of proper belaying techniques and unwavering attention during climbs. Discussions have surfaced about the potential dangers of misusing devices like the GriGri, underscoring that even experienced climbers are at risk if safety protocols are not meticulously followed.
Climbers are urged to follow Petzl’s official guidelines on proper GriGri use, which outline essential belaying techniques to ensure safety for both the climber and belayer. Staying informed and practicing correct belay methods can prevent life-threatening accidents like this one.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of complacency and improper equipment use in climbing. It underscores the necessity for rigorous training and adherence to safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the future. Be safe out there folks!
