I started climbing after my brother’s birthday party in 1998 at a local climbing gym in the DC Area, where I grew up. I joined the local junior team program, and then, about a year later, when I was 7, I walked in to the gym and they were hosting a Junior Regional Championship. That was how I found out that it was a sport practiced at a competitive level. I registered to compete that day, and it was my first ever competition. I entered the 11 and under category and won my division.

Sono ispirato a spingermi oltre i miei limiti e a scoprire di cosa sono capace. Sono mosso da questa curiosità di viaggiare e mi piace davvero conoscere gli angoli più remoti del mondo attraverso l'esperienza immersiva che l'arrampicata crea. Voglio davvero mettermi alla prova fisicamente e mentalmente, perché quella sensazione quando raggiungo l'obiettivo per cui mi sto allenando è una sensazione magica di pura soddisfazione personale.

Nutrition and fitness are pillars to my overall well being. I function best when I am the most healthy, and I feel the best - mentally and physically, when I focus on my holistic wellness.

Climbing has taught me that unless I try, I will never know. In putting yourself on the line, challenging yourself beyond your comfort zone, that is where growth happens.

Listen to your heart and commit yourself to what you feel most passionately about. There’s no one size fits all. Focus on being the best version of yourself, not in sizing up to others. We are all on different paths and want different things out of life; so be kind, be focused, and be you.

Just give it a try. Push yourself and be kind to yourself through the struggle. Sustainable success only happens when you are enjoying what you’re doing.