How I Got Into The Coolest Sport in The World

When I was 8 years old, I scaled the brick facade of my childhood home, just to see if I could. After our neighbor called my parents to share what I’d done, they gave me what was probably the best punishment ever: climbing lessons. A week later, I discovered my passion for climbing.

As a super-energetic kid, I spent every moment outside of school moving from one sport to the next. By the time I turned 10, I had logged hundreds of hours swimming, climbing, skiing, running, practicing parkour, gymnastics, and karate. This wide exposure to movement built the foundation that later helped me succeed in both Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) and Modern Pentathlon.

My dad always hoped I would play baseball, but my passion and talent for climbing grew stronger every year. By the time I turned 12, he finally stopped encouraging me to pursue baseball, allowing me to fully embrace the sports I loved.

At 14, I started competing in ninja competitions. My climbing background gave me a clear advantage in grip strength and pulling power, but I struggled to improve my course-running speed without access to proper training facilities. When I suggested building a few obstacles in our backyard, my mom turned the idea into a bigger opportunity. In 2020, just before the pandemic, she launched Altitude Ninja Gym. During the lockdown, I focused on improving my obstacle skills, and by the time the world reopened, I was a competitive ninja.

In high school, I discovered a new passion for running through track and cross-country. Running gave me a sense of calm and clarity, one of the only times my ADHD mind felt at peace. This love for running, combined with my ninja training, led me to OCR, where I realized I could truly excel.

In the summer of 2023, I began competing in Modern Pentathlon, a sport that included running, swimming, fencing, shooting, and equestrian show jumping. With the upcoming transition from equestrian to obstacle course racing as the fifth discipline, I decided to give pentathlon a try. I won the National Championships shortly after, despite my limited preparation. I hadn’t swum competitively in years, and I only picked up fencing and shooting a week before the competition.

In 2024, I began focusing more seriously on OCR. I competed in the age group division at the FISO OCR World Championships and earned second place in the 15k and took first in the 3k. I also secured second place at the Midwest OCR and in the 3k at the OCR National Championships.

January of 2025, I moved to Charlotte, NC, to join USA Pentathlon’s new residential training program. While studying Mechanical Engineering, I trained daily with a team and coach pursuing excellence in all 5 disciplines. Having consistent coaching and a supportive team helped me grow as an athlete building my fitness and resilience in the face of challenging classes and 6 hours a day of training volume.

In spring of 2026 I faced a tough decision between continuing with the modern pentathlon and focusing on school. I ultimately decided to finish my degree and shift the focus of my training to obstacle course racing. This decision led to me taking the National Championship title for the 3k OCR at USA OCR’s National Championship.

Looking forward, I am headed to Limerick Ireland to compete in the elite division in the 3k and 400m events at the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships. I am excited to represent the USA as I continue to push myself physically and mentally.