2013 SCS National Championship

I had an incredible weekend at SCS Nationals. After training hard for the 3 weeks leading up to nationals I came into the competition confident, but nervous. Ever since I was 10 years old, I have always wanted to compete at the Youth World Championship. This was the first year I was in an age category that was eligible to compete at this international event.  However, I knew I had to get top 4 at Nationals in order to get an invitation to compete at Worlds.

The qualifier routes were really fun! On qualifier one, I was able to get this really cool rest (see picture below)! I was very tempted to go for a no hands rest, but decided against it. :-)

August Heim 2013

The semifinals route was MUCH tougher. It was rumored to be 13b. It was a power endurance route with several balance and technical moves. During one of the balance intensive parts of the route, I decided to try out a few new clipping techniques (picture below). My coaches weren’t too happy about those moves………..don’t think I’ll try that again :-).

Travis Wills 2013

Travis Wills 2013

I was nervous going into finals. I knew that everything I had worked hard for all year, was on the line. When I first came out for route preview, the finals route looked harder than the previous rounds. I ended up being the last climber of the entire competition. The pressure was on! Luckily when I got on the route, I relaxed, and I felt good about my climbing.  I ended up flashing my route!! I was one of only 2 climbers (Delaney Miller) to flash all of my routes for the competition! I couldn't believe I had just earned my fourth consecutive sport national championship title!  I was also excited for my teammate, Jason Wills, for his 3rd place finish (in the 11 and under division) earning him a spot on the US team!

After years of staying up all night or setting my alarm for 3 a.m. in the morning so that I can wake up and watch my friends compete at the World Championship, I will finally get my chance.  I get to compete in my division along with my friends, Drew Ruana, Benjamin Hanna and Sam Enright.  Victoria, here we come!!!!