Zack DiCristino grew up in rural North Carolina in the Appalachian mountains. Zack spent a lot of time outdoors playing in the woods; and he loved school and sports. While attending the University of North Carolina, Zack's best friend and roommate introduced him to climbing. After his graduation, Zack moved to Denver, CO, to attend the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for his Masters in Physical Therapy degree. Zack worked at Howard Head Sports Medicine Center, Stanford University Athletics, and Vail Health. Zack started treating more rock climbers and working at climbing competition events, including USA Climbing Nationals, IFSC Youth World and the IFSC Vail World Cups. In 2019, Zack became the USA Climbing's Medical Manager and National Team Physical therapist. He discusses USA Climbing's progressive support for athletes, climbing's debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, several memories from the Olympics, competition climbing's health topics, and considerations for new physical therapists. Despite his heavy involvement with competition climbing, Zack continues to see climbing as an outdoor lifestyle pursuit.

View Zack DiCristino's Oral History in the Marriott Digital Library