About this sponsorship:In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains.
Facing the Challenge
Sixteen-year-old Shaner LeBauer of Potomac captured his first U.S. National Championship speedskating title in the 2013 U.S. Short Track Age Graded Championships in March.
But he says the biggest challenge about winning the title wasn't from that weekend, but the season as a whole.
"Coming to a new school and balancing the obligations of junior year with my training routine compromised my sleep schedule as well as my social life," LeBauer says. "In the end, however, it was worth it and I can now enjoy more free time."
Finding the Inspiration
LeBauer—who attends Winston Churchill High School and is a member of the Potomac Speedskating Club—won all four events in his Junior B Men's 15-to-16 age group, winning the 1,500-meter, 1,000-meter, 500-meter and 3,000-meter Superfinal events.
And was the resolve from past years that fueled him, even as LeBauer's season became more difficult.
"These challenges, as always, were difficult to face and as the season progressed, I became increasingly burned out," LeBauer recalls. "What motivated me was that I have fallen short of my goals for so many consecutive years and needed a good outcome. Also, this results in ranks of 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st in consecutively."
Reaching the Goal
Though LeBauer ultimately ended the season with a great accomplishment, he as more in store and will reach even higher -- to an international platform.
"My goal for next year is to qualify for the junior world team," LeBauer says. "Since I started competing, I have always wanted to represent the U.S. on an international stage and I feel that I have a good chance in the upcoming season. I feel confident that my new coach Ji-Hoon Chae, can help me achieve the breakthrough I need to not only qualify for the team, but make a statement in Istanbul next February."