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Sam Elias, from Miguel’s Pizza to Shadowboxing 5.14d

Matty Hong created this introspective profile about fellow climber Sam Elias, revealing how Elias got hooked on climbing what continues to drive his passion for it.

“Climbing is a driving passion for my life,” said Elias.

“I have been fortunate to feel an innate connection to its practice from the beginning and I have structured my life so that I can be dedicated to it.”

The strong American climber has was raised competitive alpine ski racing, has a double degree from the College of Idaho in Biology and Art/Ceramics and has sent up to 5.14d.

He’s shown a mastery of the winter climbing too, dangling from the tips of his ice axes on M12+ and WI6, and earning second place in the 2010 Ouray Ice Climbing Comp, in Colorado.

Watch this short film about Elias starting his career in Kentucky before falling in love with Rifle, where he sends Shadowboxing 5.14d.

Sam Elias – Driven to Climb from SCARPA North America on Vimeo.

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