<p>Thanks for the smile, missypie. I'm picturing a roller skating version of the figure skating competition. Maybe it will be a roller version of the track skating, like what Apollo Ohno does.</p>
<p>It is a definite plus to be a nationally ranked athlete who is potentially going to try to make an Olympic team. If son talks about rock climbing and the hard work, risk, strength, and courage it takes, it will impress admissions people. He does not need to send a publicity kit. He should use his essay to get his message across. I cannot think many more original topics than this. Good Luck!</p>
<p>Bessie is right, the national nranking can be listed in the activities section, but the schools would probably expect the letters of rec and the essay to all reflect the athletic experiences</p>
<p>I think recognized success is an important thing, it is probably not a hook in the sense of a recruited sport, but can help.</p>