3 minute read
Jimi’s rock-solid climb to victory
At just 17, Jimi Smyrk stood on the podium at the 2024 National Youth Climbing Championships in Brisbane, gold medal in hand. "Winning was something I had been training towards for months at a time," he said. "No other feeling or experience can compare to it." Representing Victoria and coming out on top in the Youth A Bouldering was the pinnacle of his climbing career so far.
Jimi's journey in climbing began a decade ago when his dad took him to Mt Arapiles. What started as a casual activity soon became a serious pursuit. "I began climbing every now and then for the first couple years, then after that I realised I would take it seriously around five years ago and pursue it as an actual sport," Jimi said. His passion for climbing and the desire to constantly improve motivated him to spend countless hours in the climbing gym, aiming to become stronger every day.
Training for the upcoming IFSC World Youth Climbing Championships in China, Jimi’s regimen is both intense and rewarding. "My training routine at the moment is extremely tiring and vigorous, but I enjoy it. I train between three to six hours a day, six days a week.” The discipline and obsession over his training have been key to his success.
Balancing schoolwork at Frankston High School with his demanding training schedule requires meticulous planning. Jimi manages by studying in the mornings and working out afterwards. "Balancing the two is never that difficult if you have the discipline and mindset to put in the hours of study and training," he said. Even when travelling for competitions, he ensures his schoolwork is completed diligently.
Looking ahead, Jimi’s goals are ambitious: “To win the world championships and become the best climber I can possibly be.” His biggest inspiration is his dad, who has taught him valuable lessons about mindset and resilience.
To young climbers aspiring to compete at national or international levels, Jimi offers straightforward advice: "Always aim for gold. If you aspire to be the best of the best, you can’t be thinking about anything else but winning." He emphasises the importance of learning from mistakes and using them as fuel for future success.
Managing nerves during high-stakes competitions is part of Jimi's strategy. "I think it’s good to channel those nerves, as most of the time I find it’s when I feel the strongest," he said. Reflecting on his past training helps him stay focused and confident.
With his sights set on the world championships, Jimi continues to climb higher, both literally and figuratively, and hopes to prove that with the right mindset even the loftiest goals are within reach.
SARAH HALFPENNY
