Rock climbing continues to bring Sunnyvale native Josh Levin to new heights.
The 20-year-old, who finished his youth career last year as the most decorated competitive rock climber in USA Climbing history, got to demonstrate the sport at the second Summer Youth Olympic Games Aug. 16-28 in Nanjing, China.
The Fremont High alumnus recently got to represent the United States as part of an international team of rock climbers who taught local youth and youth Olympians about the sport.
Sport climbing was one of four new sports not currently in the Olympic program that was part of a “Sports Lab” concept.
Twice a day, spectators and athletes alike had the opportunity to see each sport at its top level performed by many famous names within the respective communities. In addition to sport climbing, wushu martial arts, roller skating, and skateboarding were featured.
A total of 16 athletes were chosen to showcase rock climbing. Ten were international and six were from China. One girl and one boy were chosen to represent the rest of the countries represented. Levin was the one male to represent the U.S.
“It was a huge honor, probably the biggest honor I’ve ever been presented with in my career, for sure,” Levin said.
Having competed internationally throughout his career, he recognized some of his fellow demonstrators. A total of 10 countries were represented by the sport.
“It is really cool how the climbing community stretches all over the globe and you are able to connect with people even though you’re halfway around the world,” Levin said of the experience.
Every day the demonstrators would take a bus over at 7 a.m. to the Youth Olympic Village for the Sports Lab, where there would be a warm-up period and a 30-minute exhibition were the pros would demonstrate different climbing disciplines and techniques.
Initiation sessions followed the demonstrations, in which local Chinese students from nearby schools got to try rock climbing for the first time. Youth Olympians also got to give it a try.
The highlight for Levin was getting to demonstrate for the president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach.
“The previous president, Jacques Rogge, also came to watch, so we got to meet two IOC presidents in the same day. I will never have that opportunity again,” Levin said.
The experience was one he will never forget.
“I’ve never had an Olympic experience beforehand,” Levin said. “It shows you no matter where you are in the world, no matter what culture you come from, you all come together and have a common ground in sport.”
