From War to the Wall – Medyan’s Climbing Journey

In September 2017, a 16-year-old boy named Medyan stood before a climbing wall for the first time. It was ClimbAID’s mobile climbing wall, A ROLLING ROCK, parked in the middle of a refugee settlement in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.

Medyan had fled Syria with his family in 2012, after war forced them from their home. He lost his father and found himself, along with his extended family, living in a small informal tented settlement outside of Bar Elias.

That moment, he discovered something unexpected: a spark of joy, a sense of challenge, and a sport that would become his passion for the years to come.

“I had never seen anything like it,” he recalls. “I tried climbing – and fell in love with it the moment I touched the wall. Every route felt like a new story. I never liked routine – and climbing gave me something different every time.”

Climbing Through Crisis

In 2021, after a forced eviction from the place he had called home for years – a place where ClimbAID had run countless climbing sessions – Medyan and his family spent 25 days without shelter. Despite everything and encouraged by the community, he entered the Bekaa Bouldering Competition and won first place in the adult category.

“That win brought me back to life,” he says. “After months of struggle, it gave me strength again.”

He continued to train with ClimbAID’s Academy, eventually stepping into a coaching role himself by 2023. But challenges remained. That same year, he and other members of the community trained for the Lebanese national championships, only to discover they couldn’t participate due to a lack of official residency papers.

Instead of giving in to disappointment, they chose a different path: they showed up anyway, cheering from the sidelines in full support of their friends.

“We didn’t let the exclusion break us. We went to cheer, to show that we belonged—regardless of papers.”

Out of Reach

In 2024, war reached Lebanon. During the same period, the campaign to deport Syrians out of the country intensified again.

Life came to a halt. The climbing wall in Taanayel – once a place of solace and strength – became unreachable for Medyan.

“I couldn’t reach the wall anymore. For eight months, I didn’t climb. I lost all motivation.”

It was one of the lowest points in Medyan’s climbing journey – until a friend encouraged him to take part in the upcoming 2025 Lebanese Bouldering Championships. This time, the competition was open to all climbers in Lebanon, including those without the residence permits that so many Syrians cannot afford.

Three Days of Training

He had just three days to train. He didn’t expect to win – he simply wanted to feel alive again.

“I told myself, you don’t have to win – just go, enjoy. Just climb.”

On the day of the competition, southern Beirut was hit by Israeli airstrikes. But the event went on. Medyan competed in the open category. Against all odds, he placed second in Lebanon.

“That moment gave me everything back – my passion, my confidence. Climbing is my peace. My therapy. When I touch that first hold, I leave the world behind. It’s like stepping into another universe.”

ClimbAID: More Than a Team

Medyan credits ClimbAID as a constant in a life shaped by change and uncertainty.

“They’re my second family. They supported me with encouragement, with psychological support, with presence. In a world where everything shifts, they were always there.”

Today, Medyan works at Bold Climbing Gym in Beirut, coaching the next generation. His dream of reaching the international stage lives on – and he’s taking others with him on that journey.

“Climbing is not just a sport – it’s a way of life.
It taught me patience. Resilience. How to get back up after every fall.
How to face challenges, not run from them.

My message to anyone with a dream:
Don’t let your circumstances stop you.
Don’t let despair take hold.
As long as your heart holds a dream, there’s a way forward.
Hold on to it – and keep climbing.”

Support Stories Like Medyan’s

ClimbAID continues to create safe, inclusive spaces where climbing is more than a sport – it’s a lifeline.
Want to support this work? Consider donating here or sharing Medyan’s story.

Credits

Text: Beat Baggenstos
Photos: Hugo Vincent, Adrienne Hurtut, Beat Baggenstos, ClimbAID
Video: Gianina Costa, Marwan Maayta, Beat Baggenstos