Mercer Island resident Shannon Russell is heading to the World Youth climbing championships later this month in Singapore.

Russell, who graduated from Mercer Island High School in June, qualified for the speed climbing event, after a third place finish at the Youth National competition in July in Atlanta. The top four in each division earned a spot at the world competition.

“I was really excited to qualify,” she said. “I’ve been to nationals the last four years, but this is the time first I’ve made it.”

Russell trains at Vertical World in Seattle, where she said she’s been really focused on speed climbing this year.

“I’ve been training specifically for the speed race since July,” she said.

Russell said she leave on Aug. 24 and will return from Singapore on Sept. 2. Luckily for her, she’s attending the University of Washington this fall, which means she won’t miss any school.

“I’m glad they don’t start next week, otherwise that would be an interesting first two weeks,” she said.

While Russell prepares to fly halfway around the world and climb as fast as she possibly can, she said she’s looking forward to being part of the national group.

“I’m really just looking forward to being part of the national team and doing the events,” she said.

To read a story about Russell that ran in the Reporter in 2009, click here.