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 will profile 4 athletes every week. Read about them and reach out to congratulate them on their selection on the 2020 National Team!
This week’s athletes are:
Becca Frangos
Kindar McNamee
Allison Vest
Nathan Smith
Read National Team Athlete Profiles – Part III here
Read National Team Athlete Profiles – Part II here
Read National Team Athlete Profiles – Part I here
Pronouns: She/Her
Home Gym: BoulderHouse, Victoria, BC
Coaches: Andrew Wilson (Climbing) & Chis Hinton (S&C)
2019 IFSC Results: Chamonix Lead WC – 70th, Briancon Lead WC – 38th
2020 Results: Pan Am Olympic Qualifier – 5th.
What disciplines do you compete in?
Lead, Boulder, Combined
What is your favorite discipline?
Lead
What are your long term goals in sport climbing?
Qualify to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics, make a lead world cup final, climb 5.14d outside and still be climbing when I am 80 🙂
What one accomplishment are you the most proud of?
My performance at the Pan American Championships in March 2020.
Who inspires you in climbing? Why?
My fellow teammates inspire me! Not only with their dedication to training for their goals year after year but more importantly they’re all kind, humble and compassionate individuals.
Who inspires you in sport? Why?
Growing up in Canmore, Alberta I was lucky enough to be surrounded, mentored and supported by many of the world’s most talented athletes who also call the Bow Valley home. Olympians such as Chandra Crawford, Sara Renner, Erica Wiebe and pro climbers Sonnie Trotter and Will Gadd were and still are such positive and supportive role models to myself. Their dedication, enthusiasm and love for each of their sports has inspired me to do the same in my own training as well as give back to those around me. I aspire also be a leader in the sport community and inspire the next generation of young athletes in the same way.
Who inspires you outside sport? Why?
My twin sister Sara is not only my best friend but one of the people I look up to most in life. Her ability to juggle a demanding undergraduate degree in biomedical science while still training for her outdoor climbing goals, joining a running team, working in lab doing research and co-coaching a youth climbing team is nothing short of inspiring.
What activities and interests do you have outside climbing?
I am a full time student at Uvic where I will be graduating in April 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Psychology. I also love to do other sports like mountain biking, trail running, cross-country and downhill skiing. In my spare time I enjoying cooking/baking and playing guitar.
What is your motivational quote?
“Not everyone gets the opportunity to be stressed by the potential to achieve exceptional things” – Words of Canadian Olympic Wrestler Danielle Lappage
What message of hope would you share with our community in the mist of this pandemic?
Life is not a linear path, there will be bumps in the road and some curveballs thrown from time to time but remember its getting through the tough times that shape who you are and perhaps even allows you to appreciate the little things in life you may not have before.
Pronouns: He/Him
Home Gym: Hive Swarm, Vancouver, BC
Coach: Christian Core
2019 IFSC Results: Chamonix Lead WC – 99th, Briancon Lead WC – 82nd
What disciplines do you compete in?
Lead, Boulder
What is your favorite discipline?
Lead
What are your long term goals in sport climbing?
Compete internationally on the Canadian National Team for bouldering and lead
What one accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Coming second at the 2019 Open Lead Nationals
Who inspires you in climbing? Why?
Sean McColl. He is very skilled and he’s Canadian.
Who inspires you in sport? Why?
Sean McColl. He’s making climbing more mainstream.
Who inspires you outside sport? Why?
My mum and dad. They teach me everything about how to be the best version of myself.
What activities and interests do you have outside climbing?
Singing, reading, piano, movies
What message of hope would you share with our community in the mist of this pandemic?
We are all in this together.
Pronouns: She/Her
Home Gym: The Hive Bouldering Gym, Vancouver, BC
Coaches: Jeff Thomson and Christian Core
2019 IFSC Results: Chongqing Boulder WC – 63rd, Wujiang Boulder WC – 39th, Vail Boulder WC – 18th, Chamonix Lead WC – 62nd, Briancon Lead WC – 65th
2020 Results: Pan Am Olympic Qualifier – 11th, OBN – 1st (2nd year in a row), Selection Camp – (Injured), NTP Boulder Rank – 4th.
What disciplines do you compete in?
Lead, Boulder
What is your favorite discipline?
Boulder
What are your long term goals in sport climbing?
Olympics and World Cup Finals
What one accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Sending V13, winning Nationals, seeing the kids I help coach succeed
Who inspires you in climbing? Why?
My coach Christian Core. He is so passionate, knowledgeable and strong but, if you didn’t know his resume, you never would. He is incredibly humble and kind and has helped me become the athlete I am today.
Who inspires you in sport? Why?
Simone Biles. She is the best. Undisputedly the best. She is also outspoken about body image, feminism, sexual assault, and is a well-rounded person.
Who inspires you outside sport? Why?
My mom. She speaks her mind and goes for what she wants with confidence.
What activities and interests do you have outside climbing?
Painting, puzzles, drawing, playing guitar/ukulele, board games, writing, cooking, building lego sets, and lying on the couch.
What is your motivational quote?
Have fun, try hard, be kind.
What message of hope would you share with our community in the mist of this pandemic?
We’re all in this together, do your part.
2019 IFSC Results: Chongqing Boulder WC – 55th, Wujiang Boulder WC – 77th, Vail Boulder WC – 41st
2020 Results: OBN – 5th, Selection Camp – 3rd, NTP Boulder Rank – 4th.
