Twelve-year-old Leina Okamoto, a student at Culver City Middle School and a standout member of the Rock City Climbing Team, emerged as the youth national champion at the USA Climbing Youth National Championship. Her victory has also earned her a prestigious spot on the USA Climbing Youth National Team.
Okamoto demonstrated that talent and determination come in all ages. Her triumph at the national championship underscores a bright future for sport climbing in the U.S., as the sport continues to inspire and engage a new generation of climbers.
Hosted at the USA Climbing National Training Center in Salt Lake City, the 2024 Youth National Championship welcomed more than 800 of the nation’s most talented young climbers. This key event in the sport climbing calendar provided a plat-form for these athletes to showcase their skills on some of the most challenging artificial climbing walls.
Competitive sport climbing involves athletes competing on specially designed artificial climbing walls, featuring a variety of holds and angles to simulate different climbing conditions. Climbers are evaluated based on their ability to ascend these walls, testing endurance, strength, and technique. The competitions follow strict rules and regulations to en-sure fairness and safety, with climbers aiming to achieve the highest point or complete the route to secure victory.
“This win is a dream come true,” said Leina Okamoto after her first-place finish at the USA Climbing Youth National Championship in Salt Lake City.
Okamoto’s climbing journey began at the tender age of three when her aunt, an avid climber herself, introduced her to the sport. Although this early exposure sparked her interest, it was a seemingly routine playdate at a newly opened local climbing gym after her fifth birthday that truly ignited her passion. This pivotal experience with a friend not only solidified her love for climbing but also introduced her to the thrill of competing, setting her on a path toward competitive success.
Okamoto’s impressive performance not only secured her the top spot in her age category but also highlighted her as one of the rising stars in the sport. Representing the Rock City Climbing Team and trained under head coach Maurice Cureton, Okamoto’s ascent to the national title was marked by a blend of precision, agility, and mental strength.
“This win is a dream come true; I still can’t believe it,” Okamoto said after her victory. “I’ve been working towards this for years, and I’m so thankful for the amazing support from Coach Maurice and my family. Being named to the USA Climbing Youth National Team is such an incredible honor.”
The road to the national championships is a rigorous one. Competitors begin by participating in local competitions, with the top performers advancing through regional and divisional stages. The top six climbers from each gender and age category at the divisional championships earn their place at the national level. Okamoto’s achievement reflects her dedication and the intensive training she has undergone under Cureton’s guidance.
With sport climbing making its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics and continuing to gain prominence, including its inclusion in Paris 2024 and L.A. 2028, the growing visibility of the sport is driving increased interest and competition at all levels. The high caliber of athletes at the national championships is a testament to this trend.
As a member of the USA Climbing Youth National Team, Okamoto’s achievement is a significant milestone in her climbing journey. As the climbing community looks to the future, her accomplishment serves as inspiration for young athletes everywhere.
“I’m excited for the challenges I’ll face and I can’t wait to contribute to this sport,” Okamoto said. “I hope to keep improving and inspire other young climbers to follow their passions.”
Culver Pride
