Katherine was a calm but ambitious character, back in 2018 when I taught her in Year 3. She would come in Monday morning, wide-eyed with tales from her bouldering and climbing club. She was new to the hobby, and I was always keen to listen, as it’s a hobby of mine too.
Three years on, Katherine’s ambitions on the climbing wall have continued to ascend. “I really enjoy that I can finish a climb and feel satisfied with myself. I have improved on being more dynamic when climbing.”, the Peacock’s class member said.
But, to reach the top, you must dedicate lots of time to something, as does Katherine, “I have practices for 2 hours and 30 mins, three days a week. I also stretch on my own each night because I need to have a very flexible body to get in different positions.”
Her most recent achievement was truly outstanding, though. Through her club, Katherine entered the USA Climbing’s Bouldering Youth Regional Championship 2021-22, the highest level that can be achieved this year due to COVID restrictions. She showed utter grit, strength, and determination in her final climb and went on to achieve FIRST PLACE in the Female Youth D Category. “I felt the most challenging bit was the part when I had to jump onto a different hole because it is really hard to control your momentum.”, explained Katherine, “It makes me feel very proud of myself because this is the first time that I have gotten first place in a major competition.”
We are so proud of you here at the BISC, Lincoln Park. Mr. Sharp was absolutely amazed at your achievement, and everyone supports you in your next challenge.
For those of you that are interested in experiencing bouldering and climbing then watch this space. We are laying the foundations for a successful working partnership with Movement Gyms, our new climbing center neighbors. We hope to bring community opportunities to you soon.
The Performing Arts Team shares more about the BISC-LP collaboration with Juilliard and how the Juilliard Creative Classroom benefits our students.
