EP03: Best in the World While Having Fun - A 12 Year Old Climber’s Perspective

Meet Bayes Wilder, a 12-year-old climbing prodigy whose passion and prowess in climbing are as remarkable as his achievements. Bayes opens up about his love for climbing, an enthusiasm that is as infectious as it is inspiring. As a 5.14 climber, Bayes has not only earned the respect and admiration of his peers and climbing enthusiasts of all ages but has also excelled in MathCounts competitions at the state level, showcasing his problem-solving skills both on the rock and in the academic arena. His interests in puzzles and Rubik’s Cubes further underline his natural inclination towards solving complex problems.

 

Bayes’s deep connection with the outdoors traces back to his early childhood, nurtured by his parents, Sandy and Matt. Sandy, a former teacher, emphasized the importance of balancing educational pursuits with exploring the natural world, introducing Bayes to climbing trips across the United States from as young as two months old. Matt, sharing a lifelong passion for rock climbing, has played a crucial role in developing Bayes’s skills in a sport that demands both physical prowess and mental fortitude.

 

The episode also delves into the thoughtful approach taken by Matt and Sandy to mitigate and assess the risks involved in climbing. Through practicing in controlled environments and building trust with incremental challenges, they have created a supportive framework that acknowledges Bayes’s limitations while pushing the boundaries of his capabilities. Matt’s perspective on facing and dealing with failure offers a refreshing take on how overcoming obstacles can be a valuable part of personal and athletic development.

 

Despite his rising profile in the climbing community, Bayes maintains a humble demeanor, sharing his reluctance to be the center of attention but also revealing the mental preparation that goes into each climb. He describes a five-step process that helps him focus and prepare mentally for the challenges ahead, underscoring his disciplined approach to both climbing and life. Bayes’s dream of moving mountains to create his perfect day encapsulates not just his passion for climbing but also his boundless imagination and drive.

 

This episode of the podcast offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a young athlete who balances the demands of competitive climbing with the challenges of growing up. It’s a story of passion, dedication, and the supportive role of family in nurturing and safeguarding a young talent as he scales not only the literal heights of climbing but also the figurative peaks of adolescence. Bayes Wilder’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, the importance of problem-solving, and the enduring value of a supportive family foundation in the pursuit of excellence.

 

Quotes:

• “I love doing all sorts of problems. I love solving the Rubik’s Cube and doing all sorts of different puzzles. I also love math.” (7:04 | Bayes Wilder)
• “I’m so happy that my parents were so helpful to me and enthusiastic about getting me outdoors and having fun with me, and not having me be on screens too much. I’m so happy that they did that. I’m glad I’m outdoors instead of being inside playing video games all the time, or watching TV. It’s so much more fun to be outside.” (10:55 | Bayes Wilder) 
• “Before I’m about to attempt a really hard climb, I visualize the climb. I visualize myself climbing it perfectly—flawless and feeling so good on it. It builds a lot of confidence in me and helps me prepare for the climb and helps me to try my hardest.” (13:03 | Bayes) 
• “There’s always a risk of failure and I think that’s really good for people to struggle with. The challenge in climbing is that sometimes failure can come with injury or danger.” (27:20 | Matt Wilder)

 

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