Nekaia + Sovarae Sanders - Comp Climbing SISTERHOOD

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (rss.com/podcasts/thatsnotrealclimbing/voicemail)
You probably recognize Nekaia from when she recently made her first boulder world cup finals in Curitiba and her sister Sovarae podiumed at her last USA youth boulder nationals. In this episode, we get a lot of insight into their sibling dynamic as comp climbers, we’ll hear about Nekaia’s experience in Curitiba and Sovarae’s experience going through mental battles at comps, and we’ll have some fun conversation about food and Harry Potter.

Guest links:
Nekaia’s Instagram (instagram.com/nekaia.sanders)
Sovarae’s Instagram (instagram.com/sovarae)

Reference links:

Thank you Mad Rock for sponsoring this episode! Use code 'notrealclimber' for 10% off your ENTIRE order, even if you're a returning customer! madrock.com

Learn more about the podcast at thatsnotrealclimbingpodcast.com
Follow on Instagram at instagram.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcast
Join the FREE community in Discord! discord.gg/QTa668g8zp
Join Patreon for a welcome gift, deleted scenes, and question priority: www.patreon.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcast (patreon.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcast)

Timestamps of discussion topics
0:00 - Intro
1:35 - Mad Rock Shoutout!!
2:18 - Nekaia's new haircut!
6:59 - Are they related to Annie Sanders?!
7:42 - How the family got into climbing
11:05 - Homeschool kids
13:52 - Sovarae used to get dragged to the climbing gym
21:11 - Jealously and competitiveness amongst each other
30:45 - How USA team selection works
33:49 - Nekaia's breakout performance in Curitiba
41:25 - Nekaia's slab strength and strength weakness
43:39 - Sovarae's finger strength and mental weakness
49:32 - Nekaia's mental advice
51:57 - World Cup traveling and eating abroad
56:32 - HOT TAKE: Losing is more important than winning
59:53 - HOT TAKE: People who say they don't like comp style climbing need to be shown how!
1:04:12 - Swimming and Harry Potter
1:10:53 - DISCORD Q: How early to start wearing in a comp shoe?
1:13:30 - IG Q: Favorite style of climb?
1:16:28 - IG Q: Outdoor rock projects?
1:18:09 - IG Q: What effect does fan interaction have on your morale?
1:22:36 - IG Q: How do the finances work?
1:25:28 - IG Q: Does Sovarae always get the middle seat?
1:28:39 - Closing thoughts + where to find Nekaia and Sovarae