Hörst' brothers go for the healthy pyramid approach

Cameron Hörst (16) has climbed two 8b+ routes in a day at Wild Iris, Wyoming, including a rare ascent of Todd Skinner’s legendary “Throwin’ the Houlihan” (historically graded 8b+, but now considered 8c by local consensus). The younger Hörst brother, Jonathan (14), has climbed multiple 8b routes in Wyoming, most prominent being his first ascent of “Threat Level Midnight” at Ten Sleep Canyon. It’s worthy to note that the Hörst brothers only climb 7 months of the year, thus taking a break to play other sports. Their father, renowned coach and author Eric Hörst, endorses a diverse approach to youth sports and training…for optimal physical and mental development, and to reduce risk of overuse injury among adolescent climbers. Read his article, Youth training and growth plate injuries. Four years ago Jonathan did his first 8b+ at 10 years old and he has now done 24 routes 8b and 8b+. Cameron did his first 8b+ at 11 years old and he has now done 17 routes 8b+ and 8c.