Vertical Sights - Life Without Limitations: Sasha DiGiuiian at TEDxYouth@Montreal

Sasha DiGiulian is a professional climber, world-ranking leader for Female Outdoor Sport Climbing, reigning national and world champion, US Junior and Adult National team member, and Athlete Representative for The International Federation of Sport Climbing.

Since the beginning of her career, Sasha has been extremely successful in her sport. She was the undefeated Junior Continental Champion from 2004-2010 and in 2011 she became the reigning US and Pan American Champion. Sasha entered the World Championships in 2011, and her performance in the four categories- bouldering, speed, lead, and duel-secured her spot as the Overall Female World Champion.

Her achievements in climbing include many first female ascents, including Era Vela- (9a) 5.14d, Pure Imagination-(9a) 5.14d, Cosi Fan Tutte- (8c+) 5.14c, and Lucifer-(8c+) 5.14c. She is also the only North American Woman to achieve 9a and to onsight 8b+, the third woman in the world to ascend 9a, and the youngest woman in the world to climb that grade.

Sasha has received awards and acknowledgments for her successes. At age 14, in 2007, she was named an "Outdoor Idol" by the Outdoor Industry Foundation, and in 2012 she was awarded a Gold Piton Award for "Breakaway Success". She was also a featured guest at the US embassy in Bern, Switzerland, where they held a dinner in her honor.

Sasha is highly involved in various charity organizations. She serves as an athlete ambassador for Right to Play-a non-profit organization that aids underprivileged children around the world, and for Outdoor Nation-a movement to activate youth to enjoy America's great outdoors. She is also involved with HERA, a women's cancer foundation, as the founder of "Boulder Like a Girl" climbing clinic.

[GregHartSker]

Sasha rocks! I don't think criticism of her speaking ability is helpful, she is an incredible athlete. Watch her climb and you will see where her talents lie!

[rengirl]

People are saying she was a bad speaker, but I think she just came off as nervous. This type of format is probably not something she's accustomed to. Anybody would be nervous about something if they were not used to it!

[TylerHibbard]

This speech was clearly memorized. Sasha, speak extemporaneously!

[khchoi]

I kind of agree with the others' comments on the quality of the speech. When you're only under 20, you may have very few opportunities to speak in the public. It's something that can be improved I'm sure. Look at Leo Houlding, Berghaus must've helped him on his presentation a lot over the years. The first time I saw him, his presentation was disorganised. Now look at him.

[moxtr]

Sasha rules. Wish I was 30 years younger.

[malcolmwhyte]

Sasha is so sweet. Such an amazing climber. 100% stocked for you honey. Well done. You will go far.

[hwago]

She is probably being corrupted by the media and people pressuring her to be something, instead of just letting her find her way. She's seems very uncomfortable and out of her element and it's not heartfelt, no doubt she was pressured to do this. Let her climb and when she is ready to talk, she'll talk and it will be truly meaningful.

[Arpearpearpe]

Ehm, she is a beastly good rock climber, but she is not a good public speaker. However, im sure she will improve.

[Johnve]

Indeed, speaking isn't part of her profession.

[randyblandy]

About as fun as spending the weekend with Abu-hamza.