Twin Climbers Earn Spots on the USA Climbing Youth National Team

Freshmen brothers Shailen and Arjun Patel competed in speed climbing and bouldering at the USA Climbing Youth National Championship in Salt Lake City this past July. Shailen placed 1st and Arjun placed 2nd in speed climbing, and Shailen placed 3rd and Arjun placed 7th in bouldering. 

At Nationals in speed climbing, Shailen had the fastest time from qualifications and was seeded number 1. Arjun had the second-fastest time and was seeded number 2. The twins faced off in the final competition to race for gold, where Shailen beat Arjun by 0.284 seconds. 

At Nationals in bouldering, Shailen and Arjun moved through a grueling qualification round and semi-final round to compete among the best in the nation in finals. 

Their stellar performances earned Shailen and Arjun spots on the USA Climbing Youth National Team for speed. Additionally, Shailen is on the USA Climbing Youth National Team for bouldering, and Arjun is on the USA Climbing Youth National Development Team for bouldering.

Arjun and Shailen had been working towards these achievements all year long through regular practice after school and a series of USA Climbing competitions between October 2025 and May 2026, consistently placing at the top. 

Congratulations to Shailen and Arjun on this tremendous accomplishment and to their coaches and family members for supporting their efforts. Here’s to another successful climbing season ahead!

Check out photos and videos from the National competition here.