Career highlights

  • 3rd place 2023 Aus youth lead nationals
  • 5th place 2022 Aus open lead nationals
  • 5th place 2022 Aus lead selection event
  • 5th place 2022 Aus youth lead nationals
  • 2019 Aus international youth team member

Interview

  • Climbing

    What most people don't know about me

    I have 20 chickens.

    When and how did you get into climbing and what kept you interested / fascinated in the sport

    I started climbing after going to the local climbing gym during the holidays and was keen to give it more of a go. so I got my parents to sign me up for the kid's class and three months later I found myself competing at the Australian youth nationals have been in love with the sport ever since.

    Who was your childhood hero and do you consider yourself a role model now? Does it influence you at all that other people look up to you?

    Growing up I always looked up to the likes of Sean McColl, and Sascha Lehmann. As I have always been one of the smaller athletes I admired how they were able to not let their height affect their competitive performance.

    What were your greatest failures / setbacks / injuries? How did you cope with them and how did you come back from them?

    Coming from Rural Tasmania my pathway into the sport and my access to training and competitions have always been a limiting factor for me. living so far away from my local gym taught me to make the most of the time I have for training. being efficient in my training sessions in order to achieve my competition goals was a necessity in making sure I made the most of the limited time I had.

  • Training

    Do you have a strict training schedule for when and how you train throughout the year?

    I really enjoy the progression you get from structured training plans whether it be comp results or training benchmarks. recently I have started a new training program with a new coach and I am keen to see the befits of the change in training.

    What advice can you give to somebody looking to improve their training routine?

    Keep it simple and consistent, pick out exercises that work for you in achieving your goals, and stay consistent in your program. listen to your body and have FUN.

    What do you think of indoor climbing gyms in relation to climbing on actual rock?

    Indoor climbing gyms are so vastly different from climbing on rock these days, as sport climbing has developed over the years it has grown into its own unique Facet of the sport. with modern route setting the possibilities of indoor climbing movement are almost endless.

    Are you able to do a one-arm pull-up? How about a single finger?

    Currently, I cannot, however, being able to do a one-arm pull-up isn't necessary to be a good climber. There are other facets of a climber's skill set that are just as, if not more valuable such as flexibility or footwork.

    How much of the success as a pro climber is due to show and how much due to actual climbing skills?

    Skill still has a significant role to play but, nowadays success in climbing is equally attributed to climbing skills and the showcase you show to the world, “no-one hears a tree which falls in the forest”. In order to stand out from the crowd and make a name for yourself you must showcase your unique personality online in some form of manner.

  • Psychology

    Is it possible for anybody to eventually perform a one-armed pull-up or get to the top of the Eiger/Matterhorn, or do you really have to be born for it?

    I differently agree that some people have an easier time in climbing whether it be in strength exercises like front levers or one-armed pull-ups or on a certain grade. but I don’t think that a person's genetics is the sole reason for their success. within reason and with enough training and preparation for a goal or event, I believe climbers can achieve their goals.

    How important is it to set goals in professional sports? What are your goals / targets you are working towards in climbing and in life?

    Goal setting is an integral part of the sport it helps athletes to record and track progression, it creates a sense of achievement. and helps to bring one’s climbing to the next level.

    How do you deal with extremely hard climbing problems? Do you ever get frustrated and give up on them or do they motivate you even more?

    Personally, I find climbing at or above my limit to be extremely rewarding. for me, it is when I learn the most as a climber as I am being forced to move my body in new and different ways in order to reach the top. I think all climbers no matter their level should always be looking at trying climbs above their current level to help them improve.