hris Hamper has been obsessed with climbing ever since he can remember.
When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 13 years ago, one of his first thoughts was that he wouldn’t be able to climb anymore. He soon found that wasn’t the case. Chris has continued climbing throughout his diagnosis, even as Parkinson’s has made some movements and parts of the sport increasingly difficult.
That experience became the subject of the documentary The Parkinson’s Project, which follows Chris and the role climbing continues to play in his life with Parkinson’s.
Chris talks about the unexpected ways Parkinson’s has affected him, how he has kept climbing as his abilities have changed, and why he believes you can still get better at things after a diagnosis.
Key Takeaways
➡️ You can still get better at things after diagnosis.
After 13 years with Parkinson’s, Chris still believes there is room to learn, improve, and take on new challenges. His own experience has included continuing to climb, rebuilding a car, learning new skills, and recently taking up cycling.
➡️ Adaptation has kept Chris climbing.
As his left hand became harder to use, Chris changed how he moved between holds, became more selective about routes, and relied on friends for parts of climbing that had become difficult.
➡️ Effort can stay high even when performance changes.
Chris still prefers attempting harder climbs over choosing something easy. He says he tries as hard now as he did when he was climbing at his best, even though the level has changed.
➡️ Parkinson’s can affect the drive to do something you love.
Chris talks about losing the anticipation he once felt around surfing and snowboarding, and how the data and gamification of Zwift have helped give him another reason to keep pushing himself.
Key Moments
06:00 Early Parkinson’s signs in the classroom and on the climbing wall
07:10 Initial ALS concern and receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis
08:54 Early symptoms and expectations after diagnosis
09:50 Returning to climbing after thinking it was over
10:18 Adapting his climbing around changes in his left hand
12:17 Changing how he taught physics with Parkinson’s
14:36 Multitasking, apathy and everyday challenges
16:25 Losing the ability and desire to snowboard and surf
18:28 Finding a new challenge through Zwift
20:52 Why harder climbs can sometimes be easier with Parkinson’s
22:58 Freezing on the climbing wall
23:18 Lead climbing, fear and continuing to try hard
24:50 The story behind The Parkinson’s Project
26:01 Advice for someone newly diagnosed
26:25 Rebuilding a car and learning new skills after diagnosis
27:28 Blackouts, vivid dreams and the decision to stop driving
29:14 Balance problems and newer Parkinson’s symptoms
32:06 Climbing identity and competing in paraclimbing
34:19 What’s next: climbing at Rocklands in Africa
35:11 Becoming the best climber, teacher and Parkinson’s patient he can be
Connect with Chris
Instagram: @chris.mj.hamper
Movie Website: The Parkinson’s Project
About the Host
Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story.
Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey
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Disclaimer
This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.
