After the recent Australian Youth Championships held from 24 – 26 May, 2019 at SICG Villawood NSW, Sport Climbing Victoria asked Victorian State Coach Sarah McKenzie how the coaches and athletes prepare and execute on the National stage:
“To prepare for Youth Nationals, our Victorian athletes participated in a 2 day training camp prior to the event. The first day was bouldering held at Northside Boulders Northcote followed by speed held at Gravity Worx. The athletes participated under mock competition training conditions and completed reflections in order to prepare themselves for Nationals.
Athletes also participated in a Q and A session for physio competition preparation, run by physiotherapist Katie Kaminsky. For the speed portion of the day athletes practiced and refined their runs. On the next day, lead was held at North Walls in which another mock competition and reflections session occurred.
On the first day of Nationals we had lead for the Youth C and D categories and boulder for the Youth B, A and Junior categories. Athletes prepared by participating in team meetings and reading their routes with the coaches. Although there were some technical difficulties, the athletes kept focused on their climbs and performed amazingly.
On the second day Youth C and D competed in bouldering while the Youth B, A and Junior categories competed in Lead. Athletes performed amazingly on some incredible routes and challenging boulders. The end of a competition day would involve reflecting with the athletes on their performance and their mental attitude.
The final day was speed in which a majority of the athletes were more relaxed with the bulk of the competition being over. Exhausted as many were, they gave some incredible performances.
At the end of it all, Deryl Ng (Victorian Assistant Coach) and I could not be more proud of the athletes and their perseverance.“
– Sarah McKenzie, Victorian State Coach
To view full results from Youth Nationals, click here.
