Rock Climbers

ROCK CLIMBERS don’t take chances. Safety comes first, as one false move could prove fatal on a gigantic rock face. But in speed climbing, risk is part of the sport. Because the competitors are top-roped to a wall as they go for the fastest time, slips and falls are expected. At the 1999 X Games Speed Climbing competition, Aaron Shamy used a risky strategy to fly up the wall for the gold.

Many speed climbers use a “ladder method,” where arms and legs alternate in rapid succession so it looks like the athlete is running up the wall. Others simply pull themselves up the wall with their arms as their feet follow behind. But at X Games V in San Francisco, Shamy’s unorthodox style of leaping up the wall took first and set a new record. By jumping at key points and skipping multiple holds, Shamy actually made the course shorter and his times lower . . . as long as he caught the next hold perfectly.

After overcoming some mistakes and barely defeating Andrii Vedenmieier in the semis, Shamy blew past Chris Bloch in the finals with a record-breaking time. He flew up the wall in just 12.61 seconds, shattering Vladimir Netsvetaev’s previous mark of 15.38 by nearly three seconds. Netsvetaev settled for third in the 1999 Games after taking first the year before.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Aaron Shamy may be famous for his superquick, unusual climbing style, but he’s also known for his contagious smile and boundless energy. Win or lose, Shamy keeps a smile on his face and treats his competitors with respect. His happiness isn’t tied to how he performs on the wall.

God wants his followers to have the same attitude. We should go through life smiling at the world—not scowling at our feet. Because of the awesome things Jesus has done and the hope we have in him, our outward appearance and actions should draw others to us. And nothing does more to attract friends than a smiling face and happy personality.

GOAL! Sometimes it’s not easy to smile. Difficult circumstances and bad moods often get in the way. But that’s not God’s desire for your life. He wants you to be happy and treat others well. Remember that your face will reflect your joy.