Youth World Cup 2011
Beautiful Austria
Hello from Imst, Austria! I’m currently sitting in a very beautiful hotel with one of the most amazing and fun group of kids I’ve had the pleasure of working with in a very long time. I was chosen this year to attend the Youth World Championships with the Canadian Youth Nationals Team as a coach! I attended this event for 6 years between 2002 and 2007. My first World Cup was in Canteleu (sp?), France when I was 13 years old. It is such a distant memory, but I can still remember the excitement of being at such a prestigious event. Looking at the youngsters competing here for their very first time is such a treat.
Scott, Youth B Boy, revealing his secret pre-training snack: Pickles
3 out of the 4 youth B girls. From left to right: Becca, Pia and Caitlin
We are one day away from the competition. Since meeting up with the team on August 21st, we have been having a blast. The kids were able to work through their jet lag by sweating and getting their pump on in the fantastic gym in Innsbruck. The climbing in Europe is a very different style, with longer routes, unfamiliar holds and route setting. The kids all did very well and were able to feel confident moving forward to the competition. Yesterday was a fantastic day. We went to an amazing water park called Area 47. With a deep water soloing wall, a giant tube jump, an air pad, water slides and floating trampoline, the kids were in paradise. It was a fantastic day and a great team builder. To top it all off, we organized a formal dinner, a tradition that was begun the previous year in Scotland. I have to say; we have a very good-looking team! These kids look amazing after you wipe away the chalk and sweat! (Not that they don’t look amazing with the chalk and sweat!)
Arianne and Alyssa enjoying water and sunshine at Area 47
Maegan, Ryder and Ayesha lookin' like superstars at the formal dinner
Alannah, Alyssa and Alison. Beautiful!
Coaches cleaned up nice too! (Note the massive amount of hair gel in Sean's hair)
Today is a day for the kids to prepare for the competition tomorrow. I can see the jitters beginning and am getting some myself! It’s going to be an overwhelming experience tomorrow, with some categories having up to 90 competitors! The wall is outdoors and we have been learning how to deal with the heat and humidity over the past few days in order to prepare. No matter what, I know it will be an amazing experience for each athlete.
The first late punishment was handed out this morning to Marc, Robert and Jared. Pushups while singing Oh Canada. Such a treat. 
I will be attempting to update this blog each day after the competition. There will also be a live feed available at www.ifsc.tv. The time difference for Calgary is 8 hours and for Vancouver is 9 hours. The first qualifier round will begin at 9am here in Imst. Check out the running order for each athlete at www.ifsc-climbing.org. Go under the link Calendar and click on the each category under the Youth World Championships event. It is here that you’ll be able to see results!
Let the games begin! Go Canada Go!
August 24th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
You guys look to have fun !! It’s good to relax before the comp ! I’ll watch your team – and Sean demonstrating – on live. GOOD LUCK everybody !!
August 26th, 2011 at 1:53 am
Good to see a few strong Canadians in good position for Semis! Looking forward to Q2 results. Say hey to the crew for me and most of all, keep the Canadian spirit up!
August 26th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Great blog Vikki and pics too! Congratulations to all of the Canadian competitors! The first qualification results look awesome! Good luck with the 2nd qualification. Have fun and keep those Canadian cheers loud!!