Proudly Introducing:
Outdoor Industry Foundation Idole: Sasha DiGiulian
This may be the first time you have heard of Sasha DiGiulian, which could be hard to believe after reading the next paragraph. Sasha, a 14 year old from Maryland, has been a National Junior Champion two years in a row. She placed 1st in her age group at the prestigious Open of "Serre Chevalier" in France, last summer, and took an impressive 2nd place against some of North America's strongest women at the Mammut bouldering Series in Maryland. But it doesn't stop here. Her outdoor sends include a dozen 5.13s, most of which were onsighted or redpointed second try.
PS: She has also flashed confirmed V10, a noteworthy achievement for a climber of any age, and her bouldering tick list is just equally impressive.
Why climbing?
I like climbing because you are one with the wall. Nothing else matters, it's just you and the sequence or the problem. All of your thoughts fade away and you put all of your effort into getting to the top!
Any heroes, idols, or people you admire?
I have a lot of climbing idols because I like to learn from people's different techniques and ways that they tackle things. My heroes are my friends, my coaches and my family members because they are always there for me! My mom belays me almost every practice and I don't know what I would be like if it werenÂ’'t for her driving me to all of my comps. Thanks, mom!
Where do you love to climb and why?
My favorite place to climb is outdoors, especially Hueco Tanks, Texas! With ideal outdoor weather: warm, sun is on your back, and blue skies! That gets me psyched!
What are your strengths in climbing?
I think my best attribute in climbing is my mental control. When you are headstrong you will do your best, you just need to believe. Even though something may seem impossible, you can't let the impossible take over. Nothing is actually impossible. It just takes more work and effort than something else might.
Any wise words for your fellow climbers?
For all those who just started climbing, keep it up! When you fall, stand back up and try it again. Think of falling as improving. Every amount of effort you put in to your climbing is the amount of progress you will get out of it. Don't give up when you feel like you are doing poorly, keep you head high and keep trying! (I try my hardest to do this as well!)
Click here to watch Sasha send 5-12d "The Gift" in Red Rock, Nevada.
All images, content & information contained in this website are Exclusive Property of the copy writers & copyright holders, used with permission by the publishers, JMC and Alta la Vista Films. Any dissemination, distribution, copying, distortion or the taking of any action in reliance on the said images, content & information is prohibited without a written permission of the owners or copyright holders. Otherwise noted, all recordings, videos, photographs, images, artwork, characters, editorial content, and design, are Copyright © Jean-Michel Casanova / Kids of Climbing, INC. All Rights Reserved.