Psicocomp

The Psicocomp was amazing! I walked away believing that this is the future of spectator-driven climbing. The visual appeal of the wall and water, immediate proximity to the athletes, and dramatic falls, make for a great experience for the athletes and spectators.

This photo by Susanica Tam

Sami and I volunteered to help support this cometition on Thursday August 2nd. I was the bouncer/ticket checker at the main entrance. Sami and McKenna were supposed to run score cards, but the night was an exhibition, so the kids basically ran errands and hung out with the athletes. 

Tori Allen came out of retirement to support this new sport and she was one of the nicest people I have met. She immediately grabbed Sami and McKenna and got them to yell various taunts at Chris Sharma while he climbed. 

Tori on the wall.

Tori with Sami

Of course, Sasha won the women's title and she was so nice to the kids. She really took time to talk with the kids and ask about their climbing. 

                                                 

Collin was at the psicocomp and then came to Momentum Friday morning to 

climb with Sami and McKenna.

Shane Puccio

Chris Sharma was everywhere with this competition. He made many attempts at the wall. Topping most of the time, but falling at times too. The first time he topped out on Thursday, he hesitated at the top and eventually climbed down the back side of the wall. Sasha got to the top and jumped, forcing Chris to start jumping too.

 Sierra Blair-Coyle was another very nice competitor. She took time to really talk with the kids. She is good friends with Kyle McFarland and had been hanging out with him at Outdoor Realtor. This gave her and the kids lots to talk and laugh about.

Lynn Hill was a real champion for supporting this inaugural event. She climbed very well on Wednesday but did not climb in the final on Friday. Lynn brought her son, Owen, who had a good time hanging out with some of the momentum kids. 

Sami got one of the competition hats and was able to get almost all of the competitors to sign it for her.

My Birthday in Quebec

Climbing in Quebec on my Birthday!

Nationals Photos Shot by Lance Hansel - Thank you Lance!

Sami takes 2nd in National Championship

It's official. After 4 days of climbing in Atlanta, Sami and her teammate, Victor, are now both 2nd in the nation for their categories!!!

Here is what the gym looked like:

Here is a link to video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQUtp4epQUY

Sami has checked in for the last day!

Sami goes on to the Finals!!

Sami had a great climb in the semi-final. She is in a tie for third place. She is feeling good and looking forward to tomorrow.

Sami makes it to the semi-finals!

You can follow Sami on Instagram: climbersami3232 Sami climbed well today. None of the climbers in Sami's division reached the top today. Most of the girls, including Sami, all fell within one or two holds of each other near the top. Luckily, Sami made it further than most of the climbers. She took 14th of the 35 girls here. The top 17 go on, so she will climb in tomorrow's semi-final.

Sami's friend, Victor, has had an amazing competition. He is now tied for 4th place in his Division!

Sami Flashed first climb today!

Day 1 - Sami was able to reach the top of her climb with no falls.

So far, Victor and Palmer flashed their routes as well. 

Video below: 

Sami and Victor. 

Sami and Phoebe Dolan waiting for speed climbing to start.