Notable:
Aaron set a new wall record of 12.61 seconds on the wall in 1999 for the gold medal, but then he left the country for two years on a Mormon Mission to Italy during which time he didn't climb. In May he returned to the U.S., ready to do what it takes in preparation for XG VIII. If he stands on the podium in 2002 it would be the first time a speed climbing medalist has made such a comeback.

Quote:
As he accepted his invitation to XG VIII, Aaron said, "You know I haven't climbed in the last two years, right? When are the X Games?" He didn't get to do any climbing during his two years in Italy and says, "the only climbing I've done in the past two years has been in and out of bed every day."