At the age of 50, Anita Aggarwal, a remarkable British Para-climbing champion, effortlessly adds national and international medals to her collection for the sheer joy of it. Yet, this sport wasn't always a pursuit of triumphs but rather a lifeline that guided her through one of the most challenging chapters of her life.
Fifteen years ago, Aggarwal led a conventional nine-to-five life as a full-time IT trainer for Rolls Royce, indulging in the typical pleasures of gigs, clubbing, and shopping during her spare moments. However, the trajectory of her life took an unexpected turn in 2008 when a newly opened climbing wall in Derby caught her attention. Alongside a friend, she embarked on casual climbing sessions, seeking adventure and camaraderie.
Simultaneously, Aggarwal grappled with perplexing issues affecting her eyes and endured migraines lasting over three days. "I kept tripping over the bins at work. I was getting loads of shaky waves around my peripheral vision," she recounts. "I called it a goldfish bowl. My eyes were shaking. I thought 'this is weird'." In February 2009, a doctor dismissively attributed her symptoms to a mere headache and recommended paracetamol.
The turning point occurred at a music festival in May of the same year. Walking through the tents, Aggarwal found herself moving unsteadily, staggering left and right, reminiscent of someone under the influence of alcohol. However, she hadn't been drinking. "It was like having a stroke. Everything down the left side stopped." Following a lumbar puncture and MRI scan, she received the diagnosis at 36—multiple sclerosis (MS). MS damages the protective coating of nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms impacting movement, cognition, and emotions.
Surprisingly, the diagnosis brought relief for Aggarwal. For her, the challenge lay in adapting to life with the condition. "Everybody else got upset," she reflects. "I've never cried about it. I was like, 'OK, at least I know what the diagnosis is.'" The subsequent years demanded her acceptance of agonizing losses, mourning the life she once knew. Forced to quit her job, cease climbing, endure a breakup, lose weight, and confront depression, Aggarwal faced her darkest moments.
"The hardest thing was I lost all my friends because nobody else could deal with it. Nobody else could accept it," she shares. "I find it hard not being able to go to gigs, not being able to ride a bike or run, not being able to go out clubbing. People don't understand that I can't just walk down the road. I can walk down it, but I can't come back." Amidst these challenges, Para-climbing emerged as her anchor, providing not just a physical outlet but a mental and emotional sanctuary. Anita Aggarwal's journey is a testament to resilience, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can ascend to new heights.
In 2016, at the urging of her mother, Aggarwal embarked on a transformative return to climbing—a decision that would reshape her life and introduce her to a community where she finally felt understood: Para-climbing. "It has changed my life. If I didn't have climbing, I don't know what I'd be doing," she emphasizes. "A climbing wall is an adult's playground. We are going on a wall that's designed for us."
In her inaugural Para-climbing series competition, Aggarwal seized first place in the RP category, a testament to her determination despite limited power, reach, and stability. Subsequently invited to the Great Britain development squad, she marked her international debut the following year. It was during this period that Aggarwal identified a significant gap in Derby—limited coaching and climbing opportunities tailored for children and adults with disabilities. Undeterred, she became a qualified climbing instructor and established an inclusive coaching business.
Through word of mouth, Aggarwal has introduced the transformative power of climbing to individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and ethnic minority groups across the Midlands. As she explains, "[As a person with disabilities], they know that I can look after them and say, 'Look, go have a break and come back when you're ready.' You can sit on the mat and talk to somebody and still get a feeling of, 'I've got out of the house, and I've managed to do something today. I didn't climb, but I've got to the wall.'"
For Aggarwal, the climbing prowess of individuals with impairments isn't constrained; they simply approach challenges differently to overcome them. Her efforts have ignited a spark of empowerment within diverse communities.
Despite facing a colon cancer diagnosis in November 2022, Aggarwal's climbing journey has persisted and flourished. Now, with the all-clear, she eagerly awaits the International Paralympic Committee's decision on Para-climbing's potential inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Undeterred by the prospect of being 55 in 2028, Aggarwal remains unfazed, expressing, "When you get to my age, you still feel like a 20-year-old." Although her body contends with cancer recovery and the challenges of MS, climbing offers a respite from these concerns.
"I would be gutted not to be in the Paralympics as it would have been something I wanted as a kid." The prospect of Para-climbing joining the Paralympics isn't just a personal aspiration for Aggarwal; it signifies a gateway to increased funding, crucial media coverage, and enhanced representation for Para-climbing in Great Britain—a legacy she is fervently working towards.
While the debut of climbing at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 sparked a surge in interest among new climbers, Anita Aggarwal, a prominent figure in Para-climbing, observes that the Para-climbing community did not reap the same benefits, with disabled athletes often remaining unseen. "A lot of people don't even know what Para-climbing is," she laments. "It would be brilliant for people to see Para-climbers. Especially in RP, we can't walk forward very long and carry anything, but we can climb higher and better than some people."
Aggarwal's perspective sheds light on the disparity in recognition and awareness faced by Para-climbers, particularly those in the RP (limited power, reach, and stability) category. Despite their unique challenges, she emphasizes the remarkable abilities of Para-climbers to ascend to greater heights and achieve feats that might surpass those of their able-bodied counterparts.
In advocating for increased visibility for Para-climbing, Aggarwal strives not only to showcase the capabilities of individuals facing different physical challenges but also to inspire a broader understanding and appreciation for the sport. The journey of Para-climbers, with their distinctive triumphs and hurdles, is a narrative that deserves to be illuminated, fostering inclusivity and breaking down misconceptions surrounding Para-climbing.
In conclusion, Anita Aggarwal's journey through Para-climbing stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of sport. Her return to climbing, fueled by her mother's encouragement, not only marked a personal triumph over the challenges posed by multiple sclerosis and cancer but also ignited a passion for fostering inclusivity within the Para-climbing community.
Aggarwal's efforts as a qualified climbing instructor, coupled with her establishment of an inclusive coaching business, have not only opened doors for individuals with disabilities but have also spotlighted the unique capabilities of Para-climbers. Despite the recent debut of climbing in the Tokyo Olympics not translating into increased recognition for the Para-climbing community, Aggarwal remains steadfast in her belief that visibility is key.
As she eagerly awaits the decision on Para-climbing's potential inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Aggarwal's optimism and determination shine through. Her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers, dispelling misconceptions, and enhancing the representation of Para-climbing in Great Britain underscore the broader impact she envisions for the sport.
Ultimately, Aggarwal's story is one of triumph over adversity, a narrative that extends beyond personal victories to a larger mission of inclusivity, awareness, and acceptance. In her pursuit, she not only climbs walls designed for her but also dismantles societal barriers, inviting others to join her in reaching new heights, both in sport and in understanding.