Those who view rock climbing as a boring pursuit for middle-aged hikers - think again. A 22-year-old Sheffield climbing prodigy is shaking up the traditional image of the sport and making a living out of conquering mountains all over the world - while having the time of his life. Leo Houlding is part of a new generation of climbers taking the sport to the furthest extreme and turning it into a high-adrenalin activity and a whole new way of life.  We might be in France one week, on a clubbing trip to Ibiza the next week and a snowboarding trip to the Alps the week after....  | | Leo Houlding |
Leo wants to change people's views on the sport and those who pursue it. "The new generation is no longer the red sock brigade anymore," he said. "We might be on a camping trip in France one week and a clubbing trip to Ibiza the next week and then a snowboarding trip to the Alps the week after. It's got a bit more street cred basically." Leo likes to live life to the full - whether free climbing mountains or partying all night. And, because he is sponsored, he is one of only three people in the UK who gets paid to do it.  | | Leo and climbing mate Andy Cave in the Czech Republic |
But his world nearly fell apart in 2002 after an accident in Patagonia shattered the bones in his right foot which cast doubt over his future career. However, Leo doesn't believe he takes outlandish risks. He said, "Accidents happen, but accidents happen in everything, every day. "It's not easy just to say avoid risk - buying a house is taking a risk, just different consequences. You've got to know the consequences and know your abilities and make a judgement." | It's kind of a gymnastic/ballet movement on rocks which has qualities of yoga... | | Leo Houlding |
Leo's passion for his sport, which he took up at the age of 10, is evident. He sees it as much more than just an extreme activity. "Actually moving on rock has various appeals. It's very physical and it's quite graceful and it's kind of a gymnastic/ballet movement on rocks which is very satisfying and kind of has qualities of yoga. "You're really using your body and you're breathing and physically you push yourself a long way as you also do mentally with the aspect of risk and being able to stay motivated." He's away from home for months at a time, but has managed to keep a relationship going - although he doesn't have plans to settle down. "I've got a girlfriend who climbs a bit; she's a surfer really and we have a good time. But there's no need to settle down in the modern world because flights are so cheap." | It's not a rush - it's more like falling in love.. | | Leo Houlding |
Climbing also allows him to tap into his spiritual side and view life from a completely different perspective. "You spend weeks in mountain environments when you're doing climbs. "You could say it's the intensity that gets you high just because it's such an incredible experience. It's not a rush - it's more like falling in love." | 
