Yorkshire based Emma Powell has recently put in an exceptional performance in the UIAA World Youth Ice Championships in Champagny En Vanoise in France. Emma placed a very good 3rd place, bringing back a bronze medal for the GB Ice Climbing Team.
Emma travelled out to Champagne En Vanoise with other GB Ice Climbing Team member Tim Miller, along with Andy Turner, Andre Rutherford and her father, Phil Powell. Emma described the qualifying route:
"I stepped outside ready to climb in my fabulous gear from La Sportiva, Petzl and Sherpa. I was trying not to worry about my route, it was an ice slab that then went up to a 45 degree overhanging rib which I had to cross. I then had to go around the corner, where I had seen many of the over 16 leads fall off...
I was climbing quite slowly but I managed to complete the route in 7 minutes out of the 8 allowed. I qualified in 4th position. and was super psyched."
Emma then went back into isolation before being able to go out and read the final route. Emma commented further on the final route:
"Reading the route, there wasn't a lot of ice on it. The ice at the start was hideously thin. I waited in the boiling tent for a couple more hours waiting for my name to be called out...
Hearing my dad, Andy Turner and Andy Rutherford whooping whilst I walked out made me smile. I started to climb. I was locking off all the way to the top of the sketchy ice, then I got greeted by a big jug. I got up to a hideous stein and pulled as hard as I could to reach the other stein that was equally bad. Unfortunately my time ran out.. I saw my Dad's proud face and I was pleased with myself. I'd placed 3rd!
Thanks to my Dad for having the time and patience to train me."
Emma Powell is sponsored by: La Sportiva, Petzl, Sherpa Adventure Gear and The Epicentre
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