Press Releases

A First for Stirlingshire Young Climbers

Monday, 14th July, 2008

Building on their success in the recent Scottish indoor climbing finals Jasmine Ryan (15) of Callander and Eleanor Hopkins (12) of Kippen who are both members of Callander Based Young Explorers Scotland competed in the finals of the British Youth Climbing Series.

The finals were held at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, the world’s biggest indoor climbing arena. The two young climbers represented Scotland south, competing against other regional teams from across Great Britain, where over 600 youngsters competed in the regional heats.  180 young climbers took part in the national final, where they set a standard of climbing which most adult climbers can only aspire to.

Eleanor’s personal target was to finish in the top 20 this year. She climbed all the problems and routes with perfect scores and ended up in a tense super-final at the end of the competition in which she emerged 1^st equal with three other climbers.  Jasmine managed to secure 16^th place out of 30 climbers in her category.

This was enough to secure Scotland South second place in the team event, coming second only to London and the South East, who have dominated the series to date.  This is the best position that a Scottish team has secured so far and shows what local Stirlingshire youngsters can achieve in top-class sport.

Jamie Leith who is the co-ordinator for Young Explorers Scotland and climbing instructor commended the girls on their great achievements saying:  “As with all competition, especially at national level, there are a number of personal hurdles that present themselves to the competitors on their journey.

“After Eleanor’s foot slipped in heat 1, Eleanor didn’t know if she’d even qualify for the finals after she found herself in 6^th place overall in South Scotland, where the top 2 competitors in each category qualify for UK finals.  Eleanor dealt with the frustration, disappointment and anxiety, and bounced back with vengeance.  Eleanor put her mistake behind her, and dealt with her disappointment.  Eleanor intensely trained and her ability jumped nearly two grades in the lead up to the finals.

“Eleanor is an inspirational 12 year-old and her achievement has been phenomenal.  She has shown that when the going gets tough, keep your head down, try hard and you’ll come out on top in the end.”

If any young people are interested in getting involved with Young Explorers Scotland and adventure activities please get in touch with the Young Explorers Scotland co-ordinator at Active Stirling by email on Leithj@stirling.gov.uk or 07717 544 795.