A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending the Youth World Championships in Imst Austria. This event went very well, it being my first time ever appearing on the world stage.
I finished in eighth place, making finals. I had an amazing time, and this was one of the best experiences of my life. I started the comp off well, flashing the first qualifier. This was a slightly overhanging power endurance route, much like Q2. The second qualifier was a bit more overhanging with better holds. I made a big clipping mistake at the top, and I fell at the last bolt. This got me into semis in 10th place. The semifinal day was extraordinarily cold and my fingers were so numb that by the time I reached the roof they were like ice cubes. I held on until I reached the last move and fell. I was unhappy that I didn’t reach the top, but I was overjoyed that the performance I gave was able to get me a spot in finals. In finals the skies cleared a bit. The pressure was intense and my nerves were overpowering. I felt I climbed poorly in the final, but I am still glad I finished 8th. I am excited for next year and I hope to do much better.
This fall season has started off pretty well. I sent a route called SST(13d) and opened up a couple of new projects that I am stoked to try and send this fall. It is now bouldering season, so I plan on making my way down to Joe’s Valley a few times as well as focus on my route goals.