Lots of amazing climbing and unexpected results over two weekends of nationals championships in Madison, WI.

Open:
Men’s:   Finals   Semi   Quals
Women’s: Finals   Semis   Quals
Photos

Citizens:

Para:
Photos

Youth:
Girls:
Junior:  Qual  Semi  Final
Youth A:  Qual  Semi  Final
Youth B:  Qual  Semi  Final
Youth C: Qual  Semi  Final
Youth D:  Qual  Semi  Final
Boys:
Junior:  Qual  Semi  Final
Youth A:  Qual  Semi  Final
Youth B:  Qual  Semi  Final
Youth C:  Qual  Semi  Final
Youth D:  Qual  Semi  Final
Photos by Just Fab Photography

For me personally, the comp went better than usual, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Motivation is high for the rest of bouldering comp season and to train hard in the off-season. I must emphasize that one of the best parts of this year’s nationals is that they were not in Colorado. I would like to USA Climbing continue to move this comp around the country and bring amazing climbing to as many people as possible.

I had a great time traveling out there, visiting friends and family, hanging out in Chicago (Art Institute) and checking out some new gyms (BKB Chicago, Vertical Endeavors – Glendale Heights, and Boulders [this one is only new to me!]). Of course any good climbing trip involves yummy food. We visited old favorites from when we used to live in Chicago, Giordano’s and Portillo’s, as well as discovering a new fave, Wildberry Cafe (You must try the Signature Berry Bliss on either pancakes, French toast or Belgian waffle. It is delicious!). We got to take a tour of the capitol in Madison. Very interesting with lots of badger trivia:)

This was my first time staying in the host hotel and it was a great experience. The hotel was beautiful and our room was very nice. It was great to be so close to the venue (we didn’t even have to walk outside!) and to get to see all the other climbers.

Of course, the comp was fun, too!  Everyone tried hard and put on a great show. A special shout-out to my fellow northeast climbers! You guys rocked it!