Marmot are delighted to announce the addition of Jim Pope, one of Britain’s most promising young rock climbers, to their athlete team with immediate effect.

Jim has appeared on the climbing scene over the last couple of years, most notably for his rather incredible FIRST EVER DAY OF TRAD, managing quick headpoints of Nosferatu E6 6b and Life Assurance E6 6b, not bad for only 13 years old. Jim is no stranger to climbing above bolts either, having made quick ascents of Hot Fun Closing f8a at Rubicon, Raindogs f8a at Malham and Cider Soak f8a at Ansteys Cove.

At the moment Jim is training hard at The Castle Climbing Centre in North-East London for international competitions where he has already seen success over the past couple of seasons. Last year he won the Welsh Climbing Championships, made 2 European youth cup finals placing 9th in both and also made the semi finals at the World Youth Championships in Canada placing 24th. He will continue representing Britain in Lead competitions, as well as being invited to join the bouldering team, all whilst continuing to study for his GCSE’s. 

Hugh Harris, Marmot UK’s Sales Director said:

"Marmot is committed to working with a world-class collective of athletes to push the brand forward both in terms of product development and also brand identity. Signing Jim to the team is about growing the brand at a grass roots level. Jim is an extremely talented climber and a brilliant character with a bright future ahead of him; we identified his potential as an athlete but also as a personality and want to support his development over the years to come."

"It is a huge honour to be part of the Marmot team. At just 15 I feel very proud to be supported by such an exciting brand, at the forefront of producing technical apparel. The team at Marmot is great and I know that they will help me develop my climbing career, there is so much experience in the athlete team too, I have got a lot to learn! I can’t wait to meet and climb with everyone else."

The UK Marmot Athlete team is: Steve McClure, Lucy Creamer, Andy Turner, Leah Crane, Jack Geldard, Neil Mawson, Ricky Bell and Jim Pope

Jim is also sponsored by Lyon Equipment brands: La Sportiva, Beal & Petzl