Rugilė Tamėnaitė is 17 years old, tall, skinny and in love with climbing, since her father showed her a big wall. She’s training in “Miegantys Drambliai” climbing gym to become stronger and reach harder tops. When did the climbing start: I don't remember when I started, but I think I'm climbing for more than three years. First time on a wall: First time I touched a climbing wall I was just a kid. My dad found a 13 meters wall called Pagonijos uola, so we thought it would be interesting to try something different. When I saw the wall, I couldn't believe that people are climbing on it, but after my first try, I understood that it wouldn't be my last. I became a regular customer and people working there told me to start climbing in a gym. I was a bit scared to go alone, but after a few years, I found a friend who also wanted to climb. After a few trainings, I fell in love with people working in MD and the most important: with climbing. As you can see, I am still here! What keeps her on a wall: Sometimes I can’t explain why I am still here, but the second I start climbing, I remember. It is a mixed feeling between pain in my fingers, being tired, joy of achievement and willingness to improve. Trainings in groups/ training alone: It is much better to train in a group because you get to compare yourself with others and try different routes. Also we can learn from eachother. Best climbing moment: My best moment was when I won first place in Vilnius. Then I proved to myself that I can achieve what I want. My favourite memories, though, are from 2012, when we were climbing in Kalymnos (Greece). We organised a camp for our team and it was the first time I was on the rocks. It’s different than indoor climbing. You try something new and you just want to go back and try it again and again. Grown-up plans: I haven't decided yet at what university to study, but I think I will work with animals in the future. Sometimes I like animals more than people. Maybe I will be a scientist or biologist. Habits before/ after competitions: I eat a lot of fruits before contests. Apples, pomelo. Sometimes carrots. Best support: I think my friends are my best support - Aida the most (teammate). We know eachother for three-four years and it works especially when she’s saying bad things. Reverse psychology is good. Parents’ opinion: My parents aren't interested in climbing, just my father is trekking sometimes. They are just happy that I have a hobby. Plans for 2014: I haven't decided what I want to change this year, but it would be great to achieve better results in competitions. Favourite climber: Sasha DiGiulian, because she is very young and she is the first American female that climbed 9a. About trainings: My favourite part is when we climb, of course, and hardest when we have to do exercises. Push-ups are very hard. Best Lithuanian climber: Kipras Baltrunas Climbing in other countries: It would be better to live in a mountain area, but for now I am happy in Lithuania and climbing in the gym. Rugile is in 11th grade in LSMU Mokykla (Lietuvos sveikatos mokslu universiteto vidurinė mokykla). Hardest route: 6a+. |
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