NT Athlete Profiles “Part V”

Aug 19, 2020

CEC wishes to recognize the athletes selected for the 2020 National Team Program. Despite not having any 2020 results on the world stage, these athletes have accomplished so much to get were they are now. Their performance, passion, and dedication have unfortunately been shadowed by the pandemic. It’s time we recognize who they are, it’s time we celebrate their performance!

We close this Series with our Olympians – Alannah Yip and Sean McColl

Read National Team Athlete Profiles – Part IV here
Read National Team Athlete Profiles – Part III here
Read National Team Athlete Profiles – Part II here
Read National Team Athlete Profiles – Part I here

And sign up for the new CEC Newsletter!


ALANNAH YIP

Pronoun: She/Her
Home Gym: Climb Base 5 North Vancouver, North Vancouver, BC
Coach: Andrew Wilson 
2019 IFSC results highlights: Hachioji World Championships Boulder – 7th, MOscow Boulder WC – 8th
2020 IFSC results highlights: LA Pan Am Olympic Qualifier Combined – 1st (qualified for Tokyo Olympics)

What disciplines do you compete in?
Lead, Boulder, Combined

What are your long term goals in sport climbing?
Indoor: compete at the Olympic Games, make another boulder WC final; Outdoor: climb 5.14 on every continent, boulder V12

What one accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Qualifying for the Olympics

Who inspires you in climbing? Why?
Anna Stoehr. She accomplished so much and is such a humble, genuine, caring, and down to earth person.

Who inspires you in sport? Why?
Clara Hughes. Coming to sport late in life, she won medals in both Summer and Winter sports and is an outspoken advocate for mental health.

Who inspires you outside sport? Why?
Right now, Bonnie Henry! For being BC’s fearless leader through COVID-19, using an extremely scientifically informed strategy, and most of all treating residents like intelligent and rational human beings.

What activities and interests do you have outside climbing?
Trail running, mountain biking, skiing, doing puzzles, reading

What is your motivational quote?
“When in doubt, face out.” Originally a fun phrase about comp style bouldering from Stacey Weldon, I like to think of it being a good metaphor for life. If you’re feeling stuck, look around for other options. The best and most efficient way to do something may not be what you’re currently doing.

What message of hope would you share with our community in the mist of this pandemic?
Be kind, be calm, be safe (Bonnie Henry). Remember, putting other people at undue risk is not worth any sport.


SEAN McCOLL

Pronoun: He/Him
Home Gym: Joe Rockheads, but based in Vancouver, BC
Coach: Ben Sporer
2019 IFSC results highlights: Hachioji World Championships Combined – 10th (qualified for Tokyo Olympics), Hachioji World Championships Lead – 5th, Kranj Lead WC – 4th.

What disciplines do you compete in?
Lead, Speed, Boulder, Combined

What is your favorite discipline?
Combined

What are your long term goals in sport climbing?
Qualify for Paris 2024

What one accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Qualifying for Tokyo 2020

Who inspires you in climbing? Why?
Competitors who adapt to every situation. One moment can be a fluke, but when it’s repeated and repeated, it’s inspiring.

Who inspires you in sport? Why?
Kilian Fischhuber, Janja Garnbret

Who inspires you outside sport? Why?
LeBron James, Sidney Crosby

What activities and interests do you have outside climbing?
Sports as a majority, running, cycling, computer games

What is your motivational quote?
“Work hard to support your passion until your passion can support you.”

What message of hope would you share with our community in the mist of this pandemic?
“Not every cage is a prison, nor every loss eternal”  

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