In 2017, when the USA Climbing’s Open Nationals is held in Salt Lake City, the defending champion will be Salt Lakes own, Nathaniel Coleman. Taking 1st place on the podium at the USA Climbing Bouldering Nationals in 2016, was a dream come true for Coleman, who has been climbing competitively since he was in the single digits, but it didn’t happen overnight or by luck. “Nathaniel has been with Team Momentum from the beginning, and it is extremely gratifying to see him having this success,” said Jeff Pedersen, Momentum CEO and co-founder, who was also one of Coleman’s first coaches. “Although Nathaniel is a natural climber of the utmost talent, he has had to work tirelessly with incredible focus to become a National Champion.” A naturally talented athlete, Coleman has found success by finding and maintaining the balance of training and his own passion and enjoyment of the sport, “he has an admirable relationship with his climbing time…he knows exactly when it’s time to push his limits, and when he should take a step back and just enjoy climbing for the freedom that can be found on the wall.’ Observes his long-time Coach Kyle O’Meara, ‘It’s rewarding for me as his coach to see how much fun he has doing the thing he was seemingly born to do.”
A passionate climber, Coleman says that climbing didn’t change his life, it become his life. And the climbing life he has is a good one, says his Mom, Rosane Coleman, “As Nathaniel’s number one fan, I am asked quite often if I knew this is where his climbing would take him and honestly I have to say, no. I knew Nathaniel had talent and a passion for climbing and these last few years have shown us the athlete we now see who is recognized nationally and worldwide for his achievements. What I love most about him, is his ability to stay focused on what he loves to do and that is climbing. It hasn’t gotten to his head or made him something he is not, he is the same wonderful kid. I have always believed in him and his ability to accomplish whatever he sets out to do.”
Often climbers learn how to climb outside, but Coleman learned to climb indoors and grew up training for the next competition, his natural habitat is to be in front of a crowd, climbing at his best. Coleman says the appeal to rock climbing is deeper than physical ability, the strong connection to nature and the sports wild and adventurous origins and reputation. He values the sport for its very strong social community, and the lasting and meaningful friendships he’s made and he appreciates how lucky he is to live in Salt Lake City and be surrounded by world class outdoor climbing. A full-time college student at the University of Utah, Coleman says climbing keeps him on track, ‘I’m driven to stay physically fit so I can feel powerful and confident on the wall. I strive to complete my schoolwork so that I can have time to train when I’m finished. Best of all, climbing takes me all over the world in pursuit of competition and world class rock climbing.’ He’s grateful for the support of his sponsors, and Momentum Indoor Climbing, and Coaches Kyle O’Meara and Palmer Larsen, for who he says, ‘without you, I may have been a soccer player.’
We caught up with Nathaniel to find out about more about this talented athlete and learn about his climbing rituals, favorite things and his proudest accomplishments.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in climbing?
My weight. Being over 130 lbs seems to be a disadvantage when it comes to really small holds, so I’ve had to make up for it by training on these painful holds and trying harder than a lighter climber would have to.
What’s the best you ever felt climbing?
I feel strongest during the finals of any competition, simply because my adrenaline is pumping and the support of the crowd motivates me to give it my all so every move feels easier than it would normally.
What do you consider is your biggest accomplishment so far?
Taking 4th in the Bouldering World Cup overall ranking at the end of the 2015 season is my proudest accomplishment.
Climbing Ritual? Anything you always do before climbing or competing?
I always wear my lucky underwear for finals 😉
What goal are you working towards in climbing right now?
I would like to win a world cup and climb a V15 (bouldering grades range from V0 to V16), although I am aware these goals may take some time and will not come easily.
Favorite Day of the Week?
Any day, I get to sleep in, train and head to the mountains! If I have to pick a favorite day, it would be a Friday training day because after a hard session at Momentum I get to come home and relax rather than worry about homework assignments due the next day.
osane ColemanFavorite Podcast?
The ChalkTalk podcast hosts a lot of great people in the community, and it’s always eye opening to hear what they have to say.
What’s on Your Playlist?
John Mayer to be calm, Panic! At The Disco to feel good, and Just A Gent to get psyched!
Pokemon Go?
I jumped on board the bandwagon when it was new and exciting, but since then quickly lost interest. Now I only catch me all with friends.
What do you do when you aren’t climbing?
My free time is balanced between my girlfriend, close friends and Netflix. However recently I’ve been wanting to get better at slacklining to improve my balance and taking American Ninja Warrior courses to improve agility and coordination.
Favorite Quote?
“Don’t sacrifice what you want in the long run for something you want in the moment.” – Mrs. Garrett, my 11th grade history teacher.
Who is your climbing hero?
My climbing hero is Steven Jeffery, who was also my mentor when I was younger. His understanding of climbing movement is rare and his teachings are one of the things I attribute my success to. He is now the Route Setting Director at Momentum.
You have quite a fan base and are considered a role model, what’s your best advice to aspiring youth competitors?
For those climbers who are currently or thinking about competing: competition can be a path to strength, success, failure, and disappointment. Accept all of these things as they come, for they all will surely come, and remember that the best climber in the world is the one having the most fun!
I am one of Nathaniel’s uncles, and so obviously I’m proud of him and biased in my opinion. But the thing I’m most proud of and impressed by Nathaniel is his attitude and sportsmanship. He wins often, but has his share of losses and disappointments like all athletes do. He’s as generous of spirit when he loses as when he wins. He’s competitive, and yet encouraging to the other climbers. He’s never condescending, and knows no matter what he is loved and valued by not only his parents, but his extended family (whether related by blood or by the climbing community) as well.