They call her Monster Marlena--and for right reason as the Eau Gallie sophomore has towered the highest youth sport climbing ranks in the country.

After making top finishes in regionals, divisionals and nationals the Melbourne native qualified to be a part of the US National Team that competed in the Youth World Games last week.

“When I first started climbing, I never really thought that I’d be here,” Marlena Hinkle said. “Or get to go to a whole other country, whole other side of the world from this but climbing really has just opened up so many opportunities in my life and I think putting in the effort I’ve put in and all the training has really paid off.”

Marlena returned from the Youth World Games finishing 19th out of 34 in her age category.

Click on the video link for an inside look at Marlena’s preparation for this year’s games and some pointers she has for new climbers.