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Sterling Athletes Team
Shingo Ohkawa
Athlete Bio
Name: Shingo Ohkawa
DOB: 19 April
How did you get started climbing?
I can't throw, catch, kick or dribble, swing a bat or a club, and so some of the more traditional team sports eluded me as a kid. Climbing seemed much more interesting--its rich history, its many colorful characters, its different disciplines.
How old were you when you started?
I started climbing when I was 8, but I didn't get serious until much later.
Who or what inspired you to start climbing?
There was never anyone or anything specific that got me interested in climbing. I grew up reading lots of back issues of National Geographic; I do recall that a few climbing articles sparked my curiosity, but it was probably the photos, however, that left a more lasting impression.
Who served as your inspiration in life?
Probably my paternal grandfather--if he'd been a climber, he would have most certainly been a hardman, an alpinist.
What was your first outdoor climb?
My first outdoor climbing experience was probably on some nameless choss-pile--I was, no doubt, in way over my head and I was probably lucky to have survived. My first "real" route was Frog's Head at the Gunks.
What do you do when you're not climbing?
I think about climbing, I scour the AAJ, I dream about where to go next!
Any training advice or suggestions?
Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I'm seldom seen in the gym--I'm kind of lazy when it comes to sticking with a regimen. I still maintain that the best training for climbing is to climb; getting out--whether on big trips, or cragging with friends after work--is the best way I've found to stay psyched and to have fun.
What do you feel is your best accomplishment, outside of climbing?
I finally graduated after several attempts to finish college--miracles do happen.
What do you feel is your best accomplishment within climbing?
I'd have to say that the best part of climbing and travelling would have to be all of the wonderful friends I've met along the way. Climbing, at its best, is just a more interesting way to meet people and to see cool stuff, to get to know oneself.
Favorite quote?
Frank Sacherer to a gripped Eric Beck, "Shut up, you chicken-sh*t!"
If you could have 1 superpower what would it be?
I'd be able to fly, of course!
If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be? One: To NEVER get rappel ropes stuck! Two: I'd learn to speak fluent Mandarin Chinese in an instant. Three: I'd go back in time, study Cosmology and Astronomy rather than History, and have a successful career thinking about the Universe.
What was your favorite childhood cartoon? Danger Mouse
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