SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Speed climber Sam Watson is FAST. Don’t take our word for it, check out one of his competitions, but DON’T BLINK or you’ll miss his entire race. Keeping up with him isn’t easy, in the month of May alone, he was in South Korea for the World Championships and Utah for the National Championships. We’re glad we could stop him long enough to be able to share this amazing athlete with you!

How did you get interested in your sport?

Sam Watson: I started climbing at my local Lifetime Fitness when I was 5. I climbed recreationally until age 9 when I joined the Dallas-based Team Texas, which competed against other teams in the US. In 2021, I broke the national record for my category and qualified for the youth national team. Then this March, I qualified for the adult US National Speed Climbing team and am currently competing on the World Cup Circuit against the best athletes in the world.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Watson: Breaking the youth world record this year at the youth world championships. Not necessarily because of the achievement itself, but because it signified that the sport was evolving, and I was at the forefront of the evolution.

What qualities do you value in your teammates?

Watson: I value the quality of ambition, and that everyone around me wants the best for the sport and all of their teammates as I do.

Who do you admire?

Watson: I particularly admire Tim Duncan, largely recognized as the greatest power forward of all time, and his practice of never engaging in trash talk and uplifting others in his sport. I also greatly admire Michale Phelps, and his ability to commit everything in his life to swimming even at the age of 14, and never settling for less than his goals.

What is your favorite team?

Watson: My favorite professional team is the San Antonio Spurs, mainly for their ability to build a culture of excellence and team-driven success. Collegiate rock climbing is still largely in its infancy, but it is rapidly evolving with more and more athletes choosing their college based on their climbing teams. Some top opinions for me right now are Harvard University, Vanderbilt, and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City (The climbing capital of the US).

Do you have pre-competition rituals or superstitions?

Watson: Before every speed run, I will kick the wall. I find it helps calm my nerves and allows me to focus much better.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Watson: I enjoy computer science and am interested in pursuing a career in that field.

What qualities do you admire in your favorite teachers and coaches?

Watson: Their ability to adapt to the needs of individuals and recognize that everyone is different and play to their strengths.

What role do your parents play in your education and sports?

Watson: Ever since I started rock climbing at the age of 5, my parents have been my biggest supporters, allowing me to realize my full ambition, but never pushing me to lengths I did not want to go. They’ve encouraged me to have a healthy relationship with training, competing, and balancing sport and life. This is something that I will always treasure.

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