Day 4 WYC : Lead Semi-finals and Finals

                                 Rita Marsanova. Kayla Lieuw, John Brosler & Kyra Condie

The last day of this year's World Youth Championship was nothing short of a thrill ride. The day started early with 23 of the team's lead climbers checking into isolation at 8:00 a.m. Climbing started at 9:30 with some seriously challenging and difficult routes in each category. Kai Lightner (one of two climbers to flash their route in semi-finals), Margo Hayes, Claire Buhrfeind, Sean Bailey and Delaney Miller all earned the golden ticket to compete in finals later in the day.

Following the completion of semi-finals there was a 3 hour break so the the wall could be re-set for finals. The crowd was by far the biggest thus far at the competition. The routes were once again very intense and challenging. All five of our athletes climbed their best on a big stage with an even bigger audience. To make finals at this level of competition is such a huge accomplishment in itself. Congratulations to each of you. Kai took 4th place, Margo took 7th place, Claire took 5th place, Sean Bailey took 6th and Delaney took 5th.

Final rankings for the team's athletes are as follows:

       FYB                                                               MYB
       Claire Buhrfeind (5)                                       Kai Lightner (4)
       Margo Hayes (7)                                            Drew Ruana (10)  
       Melina Costanza (12)                                     Ben Hanna (18)
       Rita Marsanova (14)                                       Sam Enright (22)
       Grace McKeehan (22)
                               

       FYA                                                             MYA
       Kyra Condie (15)                                         Sean Bailey (6)
       Zoe Steinberg (24)                                       Brendan Mitchell (14)
       Chloe LeBerge (25)                                     Nicholas Bradley (16)
       Samantha Scharenberg (29)                         Connor Everton (29)
                                                                            Brian Huang (44)

      FJR                                                              MJR
      Delany Miller (5)                                          Dylan Barks (10)                                
      Michaela Kiersch (12)                                  Noah Ridge (11)
      Shannon Russell (19)                                   Josh Levin (13)
      Nicole Hansen (21)                                      Joe Gifford (28)
      Alexa Nazarian (26)                                     Dominic LaBarge (34)


Award ceremonies followed soon after climbing ended. As a team it was great to cheer for our four speed climbers who made podium. Congratulations once again to Rita, Kayla, Jon and Kyra!
After the awards ceremony The Boulders Gym hosted a party for the athletes and coaches at the venue. One of the highlights to every WYC is the athletes trading jerseys and jackets so be on the look out for foreign apparel showing up in your local gym some time soon.

This year's training camp was a first. Overall, it appears to have been a big success. Thanks to all our coaches and staff who gave so much of their time, efforts and energy. Also thanks to all the parents for your support. The athletes definitely benefited from the camp as evidenced by the team's success and most individuals setting personal records. I believe this is definitely just the beginning of Team USA becoming a much stronger team for others to compete against in the future.