• One year ago, I had the honor to team up once again with @synapse_school as a guest instructor for their Ninja Warrior-themed physics class. This time around, we collaborated with @themakerninja @papalninja & @traversefit to help the students not only design obstacles, but build them as well. Seeing the students’ excitement & creativity throughout the class was truly incredible, as they were able to connect the science topics we taught in the classroom to creating some of the coolest obstacles I've ever been on. Full video from the project just launched this week, link in bio. Really excited to see where this concept can go from here!
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    One year ago, I had the honor to team up once again with @synapse_school as a guest instructor for their Ninja Warrior-themed physics class. This time around, we collaborated with @themakerninja @papalninja & @traversefit to help the students not only design obstacles, but build them as well. Seeing the students’ excitement & creativity throughout the class was truly incredible, as they were able to connect the science topics we taught in the classroom to creating some of the coolest obstacles I've ever been on. Full video from the project just launched this week, link in bio. Really excited to see where this concept can go from here!
  • Five years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. While there, I specifically worked on the robotic drilling arm of the Mars 2020 Rover alongside a team of extremely talented and passionate individuals. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To say that the experience changed my life would be an understatement. Working at JPL showed me that the exact same passion and determination that I learned from climbing could be applied to solving complex challenges, furthering scientific understanding of our solar system and beyond. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Additionally, the friendships and connections I formed while there allowed me to realize that through the power of collaboration, we as humans can overcome any obstacle. Even though I only played a very small role in the development of this project, it feels like one of my proudest accomplishments to contribute in some way to the history of space exploration. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Earlier this week, the rover launched to Mars from Cape Canaveral. The launch marks the first step in a multi-decade mission with the goal of one day bringing back rock samples from the Red Planet. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I had originally hoped to watch the launch in person, but present circumstances prevented that from taking place. Instead, the other interns from 2015 and I reconnected virtually to commemorate our time together and watch the launch from across the globe. It felt amazing to see everyone again and immediately brought back a sense of community & connection, which is something I feel like I’ve been struggling with so far in this pandemic. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One final note. As with previous Mars missions, the honor of giving the rover a name was put to a nationwide student contest earlier this year. The winning entry: Perseverance. To quote Alex Mather, seventh-grader and winner of the rover-naming contest: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “We as humans evolved as creatures who could learn to adapt to any situation, no matter how harsh. We are a species of explorers, and we will meet many setbacks on the way to Mars. However, we can persevere. We, not as a nation but as humans, will not give up.”
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    Five years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. While there, I specifically worked on the robotic drilling arm of the Mars 2020 Rover alongside a team of extremely talented and passionate individuals. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To say that the experience changed my life would be an understatement. Working at JPL showed me that the exact same passion and determination that I learned from climbing could be applied to solving complex challenges, furthering scientific understanding of our solar system and beyond. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Additionally, the friendships and connections I formed while there allowed me to realize that through the power of collaboration, we as humans can overcome any obstacle. Even though I only played a very small role in the development of this project, it feels like one of my proudest accomplishments to contribute in some way to the history of space exploration. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Earlier this week, the rover launched to Mars from Cape Canaveral. The launch marks the first step in a multi-decade mission with the goal of one day bringing back rock samples from the Red Planet. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I had originally hoped to watch the launch in person, but present circumstances prevented that from taking place. Instead, the other interns from 2015 and I reconnected virtually to commemorate our time together and watch the launch from across the globe. It felt amazing to see everyone again and immediately brought back a sense of community & connection, which is something I feel like I’ve been struggling with so far in this pandemic. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One final note. As with previous Mars missions, the honor of giving the rover a name was put to a nationwide student contest earlier this year. The winning entry: Perseverance. To quote Alex Mather, seventh-grader and winner of the rover-naming contest: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “We as humans evolved as creatures who could learn to adapt to any situation, no matter how harsh. We are a species of explorers, and we will meet many setbacks on the way to Mars. However, we can persevere. We, not as a nation but as humans, will not give up.”
  • Very proud of this guy. Today he celebrated his 26.2th birthday by finishing his first marathon, running his own version of the San Francisco Marathon course. Thanks for continuing to inspire me through your passion, perseverance, and above all, friendship. Glad we could [socially distantly] celebrate together today, looking forward to the next 26.2!
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    Very proud of this guy. Today he celebrated his 26.2th birthday by finishing his first marathon, running his own version of the San Francisco Marathon course. Thanks for continuing to inspire me through your passion, perseverance, and above all, friendship. Glad we could [socially distantly] celebrate together today, looking forward to the next 26.2!
  • Garage wall finally complete. Looking forward to getting some good training in after a few months off. In the meantime, I’m honored to partner with @airbnb @airbnbexperiences in collaboration with the IOC & IPC to introduce climbing as a new sport on their online platform. For my first class, I’ll be focusing on active visualization & route reading. I’ll also be donating 20% of proceeds from classes this month to @climbersofcolor. Booking link in bio. Climb soon! 📸 @kyledpotter
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    Garage wall finally complete. Looking forward to getting some good training in after a few months off. In the meantime, I’m honored to partner with @airbnb @airbnbexperiences in collaboration with the IOC & IPC to introduce climbing as a new sport on their online platform. For my first class, I’ll be focusing on active visualization & route reading. I’ll also be donating 20% of proceeds from classes this month to @climbersofcolor. Booking link in bio. Climb soon! 📸 @kyledpotter
  • Today is Patriots’ Day in the state of Massachusetts. Every year for the past 123 years, this holiday has been celebrated with the running of the Boston Marathon. Yet, as with all major global sporting events, it has been postponed. ⁣ For most of us, the past few weeks have been spent indoors, sheltering in place from COVID-19. Looking back, there are not many events that have required people to do so in the absence of a natural disaster or war. However, I recently realized I actually have experienced this in my lifetime. ⁣ During my freshman year of college at Northeastern University in 2013, two individuals used explosives to set off bombs at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. I was watching the marathon with my roommate about an hour before the explosions. Shortly afterwards, the entire city of Boston went into complete lockdown as the police searched for the suspects. ⁣ Late in the evening of April 19th 2013, police apprehended the suspects after an extensive manhunt. The lockdown was immediately lifted. What followed was the largest impromptu street party I’ve ever been a part of. When the police inevitably came, they were hailed as heroes. ⁣ So how does this experience relate to our current situation? ⁣ The biggest lesson for me is that this crisis will eventually come to an end. And when it does, we need to remember that the true heroes are those on the front line: the medical workers, essential employees, and emergency personnel. We may not have quite the impromptu street party that took place in Boston in 2013, but I believe it is important to acknowledge the individuals who are actively risking their lives for the public good. ⁣ The Boston Marathon brings people together like few other events I’ve attended. The collective celebration of spirit, strength, and coming together to overcome adversity is something I will always remember. We may not be able to celebrate it today, but the time will eventually come where we can do so together again. ⁣ 📸 2014 Boston Marathon // 2013 Street Party ⁣ #BostonStrong
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    Today is Patriots’ Day in the state of Massachusetts. Every year for the past 123 years, this holiday has been celebrated with the running of the Boston Marathon. Yet, as with all major global sporting events, it has been postponed. ⁣ For most of us, the past few weeks have been spent indoors, sheltering in place from COVID-19. Looking back, there are not many events that have required people to do so in the absence of a natural disaster or war. However, I recently realized I actually have experienced this in my lifetime. ⁣ During my freshman year of college at Northeastern University in 2013, two individuals used explosives to set off bombs at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. I was watching the marathon with my roommate about an hour before the explosions. Shortly afterwards, the entire city of Boston went into complete lockdown as the police searched for the suspects. ⁣ Late in the evening of April 19th 2013, police apprehended the suspects after an extensive manhunt. The lockdown was immediately lifted. What followed was the largest impromptu street party I’ve ever been a part of. When the police inevitably came, they were hailed as heroes. ⁣ So how does this experience relate to our current situation? ⁣ The biggest lesson for me is that this crisis will eventually come to an end. And when it does, we need to remember that the true heroes are those on the front line: the medical workers, essential employees, and emergency personnel. We may not have quite the impromptu street party that took place in Boston in 2013, but I believe it is important to acknowledge the individuals who are actively risking their lives for the public good. ⁣ The Boston Marathon brings people together like few other events I’ve attended. The collective celebration of spirit, strength, and coming together to overcome adversity is something I will always remember. We may not be able to celebrate it today, but the time will eventually come where we can do so together again. ⁣ 📸 2014 Boston Marathon // 2013 Street Party ⁣ #BostonStrong
  • A little over two months ago, I returned from an incredibly fun bouldering/ski trip in Europe with this guy. Neither of us were aware at the time that it would be our last adventure for a while due to the craziness of COVID-19. ⁣ For Andi, this meant diving headfirst into combating the disease. Utilizing his degree in molecular medicine, he immediately began work at a virology lab in Innsbruck to test countless samples for coronavirus. ⁣ When I got home, I found myself asking questions like ‘what actually is a virus?’ or ‘how does a virus infect a cell?’. While the internet is usually good at finding answers to these questions, I felt like I was finding just as much misinformation being spread rapidly, especially through social media channels. ⁣ Fortunately, Andi came to the rescue, walking me through his own 4-hour crash course in virology over Skype. It felt refreshing to connect what I’d learned in my high school/undergrad biology courses to what is currently happening around the world. ⁣ I am incredibly thankful to be friends with someone like Andi. That being said, I recognize very few people have the privilege of learning about these topics in this way. ⁣ So how do we understand this crisis better? ⁣ There is no one simple answer to this. However, I firmly believe that it is only by understanding WHAT the problem is that we can better inform ourselves of HOW to respond. Some possible courses of action we can take are: ⁣ • Dig into the science. Take an online class (MIT OpenCourseWare has some great free content) or seek out scientifically-sourced material to educate yourself about COVID-19. • Be critical of news or social media that is not rooted in scientific consensus. Exercise ‘click restraint’ before opening or sharing something that seems too good to be true. • Support scientists & medical workers as they work towards overcoming this challenge. ⁣ If you’re struggling to find where to start, I’ve linked a great intro video to this topic in my bio, produced by outstanding med student and bouldering world champ @julewurm. ⁣ Thank you Andi and all those around the world in the scientific community working to solve this global crisis. We got this.
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    A little over two months ago, I returned from an incredibly fun bouldering/ski trip in Europe with this guy. Neither of us were aware at the time that it would be our last adventure for a while due to the craziness of COVID-19. ⁣ For Andi, this meant diving headfirst into combating the disease. Utilizing his degree in molecular medicine, he immediately began work at a virology lab in Innsbruck to test countless samples for coronavirus. ⁣ When I got home, I found myself asking questions like ‘what actually is a virus?’ or ‘how does a virus infect a cell?’. While the internet is usually good at finding answers to these questions, I felt like I was finding just as much misinformation being spread rapidly, especially through social media channels. ⁣ Fortunately, Andi came to the rescue, walking me through his own 4-hour crash course in virology over Skype. It felt refreshing to connect what I’d learned in my high school/undergrad biology courses to what is currently happening around the world. ⁣ I am incredibly thankful to be friends with someone like Andi. That being said, I recognize very few people have the privilege of learning about these topics in this way. ⁣ So how do we understand this crisis better? ⁣ There is no one simple answer to this. However, I firmly believe that it is only by understanding WHAT the problem is that we can better inform ourselves of HOW to respond. Some possible courses of action we can take are: ⁣ • Dig into the science. Take an online class (MIT OpenCourseWare has some great free content) or seek out scientifically-sourced material to educate yourself about COVID-19. • Be critical of news or social media that is not rooted in scientific consensus. Exercise ‘click restraint’ before opening or sharing something that seems too good to be true. • Support scientists & medical workers as they work towards overcoming this challenge. ⁣ If you’re struggling to find where to start, I’ve linked a great intro video to this topic in my bio, produced by outstanding med student and bouldering world champ @julewurm. ⁣ Thank you Andi and all those around the world in the scientific community working to solve this global crisis. We got this.
  • Word on the street is that the entire bouldering WC circuit for this year has been transferred to a single event here in Sunnyvale. Comp just finished up today. Conditions were good, setting could’ve been better. Final score: 1T1Z 99 99. Need to remember to bring my kneepad next time 😬 @ifsclimbing @rockandicemag #stayactive #stayhealthy #washyourhands 📹 @levinrichard
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    Word on the street is that the entire bouldering WC circuit for this year has been transferred to a single event here in Sunnyvale. Comp just finished up today. Conditions were good, setting could’ve been better. Final score: 1T1Z 99 99. Need to remember to bring my kneepad next time 😬 @ifsclimbing @rockandicemag #stayactive #stayhealthy #washyourhands 📹 @levinrichard
  • Before getting to the topic I’d like to discuss today, these are my parents. They’re pretty cool. We’ve been trapped in the same house for two weeks and haven’t strangled each other yet, so that’s probably a good sign. I grew up with my parents in Sunnyvale, California. Sunnyvale is at the heart of Silicon Valley, home to the biggest technology companies on earth. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have grown up here. Over the past 3 years, mom & dad have been volunteering at Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS). This organization provides assistance to families in need. Its relevance has increased dramatically in the past few decades with the tech boom, causing the cost of living to skyrocket. One recent study found that a household would need to work ~3.7 minimum wage jobs to be able to afford rent in Silicon Valley. Last year, SCS provided assistance to over 8,700 residents in the Sunnyvale area. So why does this matter? It’s because faced with COVID-19, we’ve ceased operations of all but ‘essential businesses’. These are the people working minimum wage at our local grocery stores, our gas stations, our transportation systems. We’ve collectively realized these people matter. They are essential. And it is this group of people who is most at risk during this pandemic. At SCS, operations are still open, but with limited support to assist families. This case is specific to the area I live in, but similar topics are currently being discussed globally. So the question I would like to ask today is: How can we support our local communities during this time?⁣ ⁣ • Support organizations like SCS in your area. Donate or volunteer if they are still in operation. • Support local businesses. If you are able, keep paying your cleaning services or local gym membership. Order delivery from a local restaurant. • Support your neighbors. Offer to do groceries for those at higher risk. • Check up on people. Make sure people around you feel socially connected, even though they are physically distanced. • Share compassion. This is a difficult time. But I’m convinced that if we all take the time to support each other locally, we can get through this. Stay strong, everyone.
    00
    Before getting to the topic I’d like to discuss today, these are my parents. They’re pretty cool. We’ve been trapped in the same house for two weeks and haven’t strangled each other yet, so that’s probably a good sign. I grew up with my parents in Sunnyvale, California. Sunnyvale is at the heart of Silicon Valley, home to the biggest technology companies on earth. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have grown up here. Over the past 3 years, mom & dad have been volunteering at Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS). This organization provides assistance to families in need. Its relevance has increased dramatically in the past few decades with the tech boom, causing the cost of living to skyrocket. One recent study found that a household would need to work ~3.7 minimum wage jobs to be able to afford rent in Silicon Valley. Last year, SCS provided assistance to over 8,700 residents in the Sunnyvale area. So why does this matter? It’s because faced with COVID-19, we’ve ceased operations of all but ‘essential businesses’. These are the people working minimum wage at our local grocery stores, our gas stations, our transportation systems. We’ve collectively realized these people matter. They are essential. And it is this group of people who is most at risk during this pandemic. At SCS, operations are still open, but with limited support to assist families. This case is specific to the area I live in, but similar topics are currently being discussed globally. So the question I would like to ask today is: How can we support our local communities during this time?⁣ ⁣ • Support organizations like SCS in your area. Donate or volunteer if they are still in operation. • Support local businesses. If you are able, keep paying your cleaning services or local gym membership. Order delivery from a local restaurant. • Support your neighbors. Offer to do groceries for those at higher risk. • Check up on people. Make sure people around you feel socially connected, even though they are physically distanced. • Share compassion. This is a difficult time. But I’m convinced that if we all take the time to support each other locally, we can get through this. Stay strong, everyone.
  • This is a global crisis. There’s really no other way of putting the current situation. As recently as two weeks ago, I had lots of plans for this year. My guess is you did, too. All of that has shifted to combat the worldwide pandemic that is COVID-19. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With a sudden lack of competitions to look forward to, I am now forced to reassess my priorities as to how best to proceed. This includes how I utilize my platforms on social media as both a consumer and a producer of content. And so, starting with this post, I would like to pose questions and potential plans of action for different topics relating to said pandemic. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My first question is: What can we do? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hopefully these actions you will already be very familiar with. Many of them have been widely promulgated by the CDC & WHO. I will point out that these actions are assuming you are in a situation where you are fortunate enough to make these decisions, which I recognize is not the case for everyone around the world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What we can do: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • STAY HOME. This is the simplest and easiest way to ‘flatten the curve’. • Stay healthy. Wash hands, exercise frequently, eat healthily, prioritize sleep. • Donate to or volunteer at a local food bank. • Listen to safety notices provided by your local government. At the same time, be critical of what our leaders put forward as proposed solutions. Speak out for those who have no voice. • Support local food & supply workers. Support medical workers. Listen to scientists. • Be kind to others. • Again, be kind to others. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Around this time there’s been a lot more engagement with social media (myself included). I’ve seen plenty of ‘inspirational’ posts that offer little substance and my goal is to not add unnecessary clutter. However, one of these ‘inspirational’ posts about fear stuck with me a bit more than others and I’d like to share my own interpretation here: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In my athletic career, many people ask me if I am ever afraid before a big competition. The answer? Always. It’s how we respond to this fear that defines us. When you’re confronted with your greatest fear, stay calm. Take a deep breath. Face everything, and rise.
    00
    This is a global crisis. There’s really no other way of putting the current situation. As recently as two weeks ago, I had lots of plans for this year. My guess is you did, too. All of that has shifted to combat the worldwide pandemic that is COVID-19. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With a sudden lack of competitions to look forward to, I am now forced to reassess my priorities as to how best to proceed. This includes how I utilize my platforms on social media as both a consumer and a producer of content. And so, starting with this post, I would like to pose questions and potential plans of action for different topics relating to said pandemic. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My first question is: What can we do? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hopefully these actions you will already be very familiar with. Many of them have been widely promulgated by the CDC & WHO. I will point out that these actions are assuming you are in a situation where you are fortunate enough to make these decisions, which I recognize is not the case for everyone around the world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What we can do: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ • STAY HOME. This is the simplest and easiest way to ‘flatten the curve’. • Stay healthy. Wash hands, exercise frequently, eat healthily, prioritize sleep. • Donate to or volunteer at a local food bank. • Listen to safety notices provided by your local government. At the same time, be critical of what our leaders put forward as proposed solutions. Speak out for those who have no voice. • Support local food & supply workers. Support medical workers. Listen to scientists. • Be kind to others. • Again, be kind to others. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Around this time there’s been a lot more engagement with social media (myself included). I’ve seen plenty of ‘inspirational’ posts that offer little substance and my goal is to not add unnecessary clutter. However, one of these ‘inspirational’ posts about fear stuck with me a bit more than others and I’d like to share my own interpretation here: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In my athletic career, many people ask me if I am ever afraid before a big competition. The answer? Always. It’s how we respond to this fear that defines us. When you’re confronted with your greatest fear, stay calm. Take a deep breath. Face everything, and rise.