John "Oz" Osborn
/Birthdate: 18 August 1973
Do you have a nickname? Oz
What is your occupation? Personal trainer, cycling/group fitness instructor,prior to that I was head painter in a production body shop for 25 years
What/when was your first climb? Hilton Springfield, 2010
How many climbs have you completed? Too many to count, when I first started, 10-12 a year, nowadays just a few faves.
Why/how did you start? I tried it at the urging of my Spin instructor, as a way to supplement my training for BMX racing.
Do you have a favorite climb? Why? AON Los Angeles! I love the course, and you just can't beat L.A in the spring. :)
Why do you climb? It's such a unique challenge, the other competitors are almost always down to give advice or help others. It's just a rush to finish a big race.
Are there other sports you're passionate about? BMX racing
Do you have injuries or issues you need to overcome to climb? I was a heavy smoker for a lot of years, I quit 15 years ago, had nasty asthma since age 11. I have zero symptoms now, I credit my climbing. :)
How do you train?: Cycling, running, Jacobs ladder.
Do you have a special relationship with any of your step-siblings? If it wasn't for Jeff Dinkin, I wouldn't have met all the WCL people:) Terry Purcell and I train occasionally since we live near each other. Eric Leninger has always propped me up, Bob Toews keeps me smiling with his unique sense of humor:) David Hanley keeps in touch,and puts me up when I in town..and in the beginning I wouldn't have dreamed of going to a race without Brady and Kristin! P.J has rolled out the red carpet in Seattle a few times.. I hope I didn't overlook anyone, I love em all:)
Who inspires you? All of my step-sibs:)
Do you have a good luck charm or any superstitions or pre-race rituals? Every climb I wear the very first WCL jersey that Mark gave me.
What's on your iPod during workouts/competitions? I don't use one.
If we had numbers on our jerseys, what would your number be? 2
What would you like to tell others about yourself and your experience with stair climbing that might inspire them in their lives? Go and have fun with it.