Young climbers to compete in China
Young athletes Farron Smith, of Constantia, and Talya van der Velde, of Vredehoek, will take on the world’s best youth climbers at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Youth World Championships, taking place in Guiyang, China, in August
The two athletes will join a national squad of 18 climbers to take part in the international event.
The SA Youth Team includes climbers who have excelled in various disciplines such as bouldering, lead climbing, and speed climbing, according to the South African National Climbing Federation, which selects the national team for this sporting event.
“The annual championship attracts promising young climbers from around the globe, giving them an opportunity to gain international experience and recognition,“ said Chris Allan, of Western Cape Climbing.
Thirteen-year-old Talya is one of two female athletes who qualified for all three disciplines, while Farron, 15, will specialise in lead climbing for this competition.
"When I was 3, my dad first took me climbing outdoors. Ever since then, climbing has been a big part of my life. I never thought that I would get the opportunity to compete internationally, and I am so grateful for this experience,“ said Tayla.
Farron, who will be competing in a category for 15-and-16-year-olds, said she was excited to be taking part.
“It is my first international competition. This has been my goal for many years.”
Each athlete has to pay their own way to attend the competition, covering everything from flights and accommodation to sports kit. The South African National Climbing Federation has started a back-a-buddy fund-raising campaign to support them. Prospective sponsors can also email YWCH@sancf.org
