Liam Klettke

"Speed Climbing specialist Liam "Middle Kettle" Klettke started climbing in his hometown of Duncan BC at 11 in 2016, when his older brother took him to the local climbing club of Cowichan secondary. The Cowichan climbing academy became his second home as he was  often found playing ridiculous games of add-on with his friends. As of 2020, Liam was hand selected for a semi pro team under the national coach Libor hroza, out of the Boulders Climbing Gym in Victoria, BC. Liam is still a common sight at his home gyms in Duncan as well as route setting at the Hang-Out climbing center.

What had started as a fun after-school hobby quickly became a lifestyle after qualifying 9th and placing 2nd at youth Speed Nationals during his national debut. Ever since, he has placed in the top 10 for Canadian Speed climbers on the Canadian national ranking. With 11 medals under his belt, Liam has a consistently placed in the top bracket for Speed climbing.

Liam retired from being a Tri discipline athlete after his last year of youth nationals to focus on Speed climbing. 

Liam placed 4th in youth nationals, 6th in open men in 2023.

September 2023: Liam placed 4th at North American Cup Series: Richmond

10th in the NACS: Alexandria,Virginia.  

For his first international debut, with a time of 7.108 seconds. 

In February of 2024, Liam shattered the 7-second milestone with a time of 6.700 seconds.As of April 28th, 2024, Liam flew to Salt Lake City to complete in NACS: 2024. After he placed 19th he qualied with 7.010 seconds missing finals. Later that day went to momentum climbing center after and shattered his personal best First, with a time of 6.484(reaction of 0.211) immediately followed by 6.381s with a reaction of 0.100 seconds, a perfect reaction time.

Liam has shown that small gyms and communities can produce high-quality athletes along with coaches and setters. Liam's dream is to coach, train, and route a set for a living. Once his competitive career slows down to one day, bring the next generation of climbers to the world stage. 

Liams best advice for all climbers comes from someone special to him.

"Go slow to go fast" ~Libor Hroza, former world champion, coach, and friend.

Liams favourite shoes are the madrock Remoras with a special interest in the new speed specialist shoes called "The Talaria"

"Thank you to Mark, Libor,   my community, my parents, and wonderful family who made this possible to do the sport I love!"

~ Middle Kettle