USA Climbing’s 2025 National Team Trials Presented by YETI continued in Austin, TX yesterday with the Speed discipline, which welcomed 37 athletes. Athletes competed for both a spot on the National Team Trials podium and on the 2025 Speed National Team, which designates athletes to represent the U.S. at international World Cup events sanctioned by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC).

In Finals, lane A always features the fastest climber from the previous Qualification round, while lane B features the slowest. Having only to beat the competitor next to them, athletes prioritize head-to-head performance over their time.

Hom Wins Every Race, Takes Gold

Michael Hom reigned supreme from the Qualification to the Finals round, ultimately racing against Logan Schlecht. With a flawless run, Hom won Gold with a time of 5.11 seconds, against Schlecht, who had a crucial slipped at the bottom. This performance also earned Hom his spot on the 2025 Speed National Team.

Commenting that he finally achieved a “sub-five-second” run during practice, Hom has high hopes for continued success on the IFSC World Cup circuit.

When asked if competing is stressful for him, Hom replied, “I like to take it as just a really fun event, cause all of my friends are here and I just get to yell and scream and try my hardest,” Hom said.

Schlecht still earned Silver and a spot on the 2025 Speed National Team after having explosive times up until his run against Hom.

In the 1/2 Final, Merritt Ernsberger had two unexpected slip-ups while racing Hom before choosing to fall in order to save energy for the next round. This decision still allowed him to take Bronze with a time of 5.24 seconds against Thomas Lin, who finished with a time of 6.05 seconds. This won Ernsberger his spot on the 2025 Speed National Team alongside Zach Hammer, Michael Hom, Logan Schlecht, and Sam Watson.

Patajo Wins Gold, Sets New Personal Record

After placing fourth at the 2024 National Team Trials, Micaela Patajo was ready for a podium. Following a very successful Qualification round, Patajo achieved not only Gold, but a new personal competition record of 8.03 seconds. Patajo consistently bordered “sub-seven” territory with a finishing time of 8.07 seconds in Finals against Kayleigh Borek.

With goals to continue climbing through college, Patajo also has Olympic dreams. “My sights are set for LA28, so I’m just gonna train for that and keep working hard,” Patajo said.

Taking Silver was the young and excited Kayleigh Borek who had an especially impressive performance considering her experience. This was her first time at a Semi-Final and Final, having competed in her first National Championships in 2024. For both Patajo and Borek, this was their first time in the Big Final racing for Gold and Silver.

Finally in Bronze was Isis Rothfork, who was the only podium athlete to join the 2025 Speed National Team alongside Sophia Curcio, Emma Hunt, Piper Kelly and Madi Walsh. Rothfork was the 2023 National Champion, making her podium finish unsurprising.

2025 Speed National Team: 

Sophia Curcio
Merritt Ernsberger
Zach Hammer
Michael Hom
Emma Hunt
Piper Kelly
Isis Rothfork
Logan Schlecht
Madi Walsh
Sam Watson

Full results from the 2025 National Team Trials Presented by YETI can be found here. You can rewatch the Semi-Final and Final rounds on Outside TV.

Follow @usaclimbing on social media for competition updates and behind-the-scenes action.