Northern Dancer
Survivalist
Nathaniel Coleman at the 2016 Bouldering Open National Championship; photo Greg Mionske, courtesy of USA Climbing
The all-around achiever took the gold in two bouldering national competitions, back to back, hit the books for his computer science degree, and didn’t lose any sleep… all in a seven-day crunch earlier this month. The whole time, his gleaming smile was left mostly intact.
Coleman is an on-the-rise sport climber and boulderer paving his athletic career while also getting a college degree. Not to mention, his mental prowess is one that athletes in any field and working professionals can learn from to help overcome intimidating circumstances.
This year, Coleman kicked off a streak in January when he charged the indoor USA Climbing Bouldering Open National Championship. He took first place over nine-time reigning champion Daniel Woods, a climber that Coleman admires “for being the best outdoor boulderer in the world.”
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