INSTAGRAM

Utah Man Prepares For Tokyo Olympics With World Cup Climbing Competition

May 27, 2021, 6:44 PM | Updated: Apr 14, 2023, 2:41 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — A World Cup competition for climbers will be held in downtown Salt Lake City over the weekend, bringing out many of the athletes that will compete in the event at the Tokyo Olympics, including one man who was born and raised in Utah.

There are other sports that are easier. For Nathaniel Coleman, though, anything other than climbing might not be as exciting, especially with the Tokyo Olympics less than two months away.

“It’s really starting to sink in,” said Coleman. “It’s kind of what’s in the back of my head all day. Yeah, it’s starting to feel real.”

It’s also why he continues to train hard.

He’s known he would compete in the Olympics for more than a year now, but since COVID-19 postponed the Games last summer, Coleman has had to stay in peak shape.

“Oh, it’s super important, yeah. I feel like everybody after the year hiatus is kind of rusty,” said Coleman.

World Cup climbing competitions have recently started happening again.

Two of them, back-to-back, are being held right here in Salt Lake City.

“We’ve always had the World Cup in Vail, Colorado, which has felt like home turf,” said Coleman. “But this is where I grew up. I know the community here. I’m really excited to perform for them.”

Coleman is from the Salt Lake City area.

Even though most Utah Olympians compete in Winter Games, Coleman, who was born in Murray, fell in love with climbing early on.

Although he never expected climbing to become an Olympic sport (climbing will make its Olympic debut in Tokyo), he’s proud to carry on the long tradition of Utah Olympians.

“It’s great, man. I mean, people see me at the gym. They tell me anything from congratulations on the last competition, to this whole heart-felt thing about how it means so much to them to have me representing in the Olympics,” he said.

No matter if he wins a medal or not in Tokyo, Coleman knows here in Utah, he’ll always be a champion.

“It means a lot,” he said with a smile. “I feel connected to my community here and I know they’ll support me.”

If you would like to cheer Coleman on, 3,000 fans are allowed at the World Cup competition a day.

You can get tickets at the event, or here online.

If you use the code “ThankYouKSL,” you’ll get $5 off.

KSL 5 TV Live

Instagram

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

6 hours ago

In an aerial view, the cargo ship Dali sits in the water after running into and collapsing the Fran...

Associated Press

What we know about the Baltimore bridge collapse

Authorities are piecing together what led to the bridge collapse in Baltimore. But so far, we know that Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said a large cargo ship lost power and issued a mayday call moments before it struck the bridge.

3 days ago

The Kirtland Temple, was dedicated by Joseph Smith in 1836. It reopened for tours on Monday, March ...

Daniel Woodruff

‘Definitely memorable’: Utahns travel to Kirtland for temple reopening

The nearly 200-year-old Kirtland Temple welcomed visitors Monday from Utah and beyond, as the building is now under new ownership.

3 days ago

pulpit in white in a white room...

Daniel Woodruff

Kirtland Temple reopens for public tours after Church acquires property

Monday was the first day of tours at the Kirtland Temple after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acquired the Ohio property earlier this month.

3 days ago

...

Lindsay Aerts and Eliza Pace

34 people displaced in Kearns apartment fire

Multiple people were evacuated from their apartment building due to a two-alarm fire. 

3 days ago

The Red Cliffs Utah Temple was dedicated Sunday, March 24, 2024. (2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc...

Mark Jones

President Henry B. Eyring dedicates the Red Cliffs Utah Temple on Sunday

President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Red Cliffs Utah Temple on Sunday.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Man Prepares For Tokyo Olympics With World Cup Climbing Competition