Age: 26
Home: Glenwood Springs, CO
Sponsors: Millet, Black Diamond, Maxim Ropes, La Sportiva, Osprey packs
Favorite climbing discipline: Sport Climbing
Most memorable ascent: Any of those that I have tried so hard I have gone beyond the point of caring if I fall off, simply because I am happy in the only thing that really matters to me: my effort in that moment. It has happened to me in varying grades and styles, but it is an anomaly that does not even include my hardest ascents.

Sam, we heard you’ve been climbing for only three years. How true is this?
It is mostly true…

Give us a shortlist of some highlights thus far.

• Climbing from 5.12b to 5.13c my first full season of climbing.
• Climbing 5.14a during my second season
• Climbing WI6 and M11 during my first winter climbing season
• Being one of the only Americans to climb 5.14, V (double digit), and M (double digit)

You’ve got a rare, natural talent for climbing – that’s for sure. How hard are you actually working for these sends? Are they melting like butter in your hands, or do you find yourself working the death out them?
It has been both. There has been ease, and there has been work. However, there must always be work and sacrifice. If not, then the deep meaning within the activity diminishes, and the potential fades. I feel truly gifted and fortunate in my abilities and understanding of climbing. I simply try to utilize that which comes from within me, and also that which I have learned from outside of myself to do the best I can. I do, however, hold myself to somewhat unreasonable expectations, and of course let myself down by not meeting them. This motivates me to work harder. It is a strength and a weakness, and comes paired with my devotion to, and belief in, the magic potential that resides in me…in us all. In some very rare times, I exceed the expectations. These experiences are worth more than all the failures along the way.

Take a minute to inspire someone.
I feel the same as you when I am trying something that is new and/or difficult for me. It does not matter; 5.14, 5.8 or 5.2. We are the same, and our process and effort is the same. I struggle and you struggle. There’s no difference and we are united as one. Thus, you are me — as I am you.

In ten years from now, where’s Sam Elias?
Hopefully still alive in this form; preferably healthy in mind and body; surely motivated and still believing; probably and unfortunately not settled or satisfied.

UC