Jimmy Chin

5 out of 5

Climber, Photographer & Academy-Award Winning Filmmaker Known for "Free Solo" and "Nyad"

Jackson, WY, USA
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Jimmy Chin Biography

Jimmy Chin is one of a kind. A professional mountain athlete, National Geographic photographer, Academy Award-winning director, and New York Times bestselling author, Chin is celebrated for both his athletic feats and his captivating artistic endeavors.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Chin’s journey began as a “climbing dirtbag” after college when a chance photo of his climbing partner in a sleeping bag sold for $500. This pivotal shot marked the start of his career as one of the world’s foremost mountain photographers and adventure filmmakers.

Chin’s legacy is marked by significant firsts: in 2006, he completed the first successful American ski descent from Mount Everest with Kit and Rob DesLauriers. In 2011, Chin, along with Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk, achieved the first ascent of the Shark’s Fin on India’s Meru Central. Documented by Chin, this remarkable journey became the award-winning film "Meru," which he co-directed. He next chronicled Alex Honnold’s historic climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan in the documentary "Free Solo," which earned Chin an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2018.

Chin’s accolades are extensive and continually expanding. He has been a member of the North Face Athlete team since 2001. His photography book, "There and Back," became a New York Times bestseller in 2021. He was named GQ’s 2021 Man of the Year, received the 2022 Ken Burns American Heritage Prize, and won the 2024 Navy SEAL Foundation’s Fire in the Gut Award. His commercial work has graced the pages of National Geographic Magazine, New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Outside Magazine, and more. As a director and producer, his roster includes films such as the Netflix feature "NYAD" and the documentary "The Rescue."

At the heart of Chin’s prolific career is a core theme: passion. He is perpetually in search of the next great photo, impossible peak, or breathtaking vista. Driven by a deep love of and respect for the outdoors and its community, he bridges the gap between storytelling and adventuring.

BOOK Jimmy Chin

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/02/2025.

Jimmy Chin Speaking Topics

  • Drawing from a life shaped by high-stakes decisions in the mountains, behind the camera, and in business, Jimmy shares what it means to take risks with purpose.

    With a calm presence and sharp insight, Jimmy invites audiences to rethink leadership, creativity, and the value of stepping into the unknown.

Jimmy Chin Videos

Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin | NatGeo

Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin | NatGeo

For the world’s top adventure athletes, the line between triumph and tragedy is razor thin. In the pivotal moments when life hangs in the balance,...

Jimmy Chin - GQ

Jimmy Chin - GQ

Filmmaker Jimmy Chin breaks down epic nature scenes from movies.

Jimmy Chin - "CBS Sunday Morning"

Jimmy Chin - "CBS Sunday Morning"

Jimmy Chin, the National Geographic photographer and Oscar-winning co-director of "Free Solo" and "The Rescue," talks with correspondent Lilia...

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  • What are the speaker fees for Jimmy Chin

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  • What topics does Jimmy Chin speak about?

  • Where does Jimmy Chin travel from?

    Jimmy Chin generally travels from Jackson, WY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Jimmy Chin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Drawing from a life shaped by high-stakes decisions in the mountains, behind the camera, and in business, Jimmy shares what it means to take risks with purpose. . The estimated speaking fee range to book Jimmy Chin for your event is available upon request. Jimmy Chin generally travels from Jackson, WY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Alex Honnold, Conrad Anker, Tommy Caldwell, Jim Davidson and Daymond John. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jimmy Chin for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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