U.S. Nationals Climbing Series

Have you ever thought of climbing a mountain wall, but you just can’t seem to work up the nerve? Take a little bit of inspiration from a twelve year old. Jerdin Carle, 12, just won the U.S. Nationals Climbing Series – and he did it with a torn ligament in his finger. The U.S. Nationals Climbing Series is three day annual event that takes place in Minnesota and is attended by climbing youth from across the nation. These kids are part of climbing teams that practice across the United States in hops of achieving the title that Carle nabbed this year. Jerdin Carle is part of the Upstate area rock climbing team, G-Vegas Rock Stars, and his coach Brian Kettler couldn’t be more proud of his young prodigy.

Half way up the course, Carle found that his hand was severely hurting after injuring it earlier in the week. Understanding the difference between a competition and a long term hand injury, Carle made the decision to let go of the rock and rappel even though it meant losing the competition. Carle was shocked as he was announced the champion (he also won last years competition). Carle showed all modesty, even though he beat out thirty-five other boys, when he stated: "I was really surprised. I was definitely not expecting to win with my hand hurt." Carle showed maturity that most adults might not have shown, when he decided that he would rather be around to climb another day then to risk injuring his hand for good. Carle plans to keep practicing in hopes that next years competition will be even better than this one.