Fourways climbers to represent SA against the world’s best in China
Two talented young climbers from Fourways, Luke Westman and Victor Ellis, are to represent South Africa at the IFSC Youth World Championships in China.
Two talented young climbers from Fourways, Luke Westman and Victor Ellis, are set to represent South Africa at the International Federation of Sports Climbing (IFSC) Youth World Championships in China this August. The duo will join a national team of 18 climbers from across the country as they take on the world’s best young sports climbers.
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Westman, the only male climber to qualify in all three climbing disciplines, will be competing in bouldering, lead climbing, and speed climbing. Ellis, on the other hand, will specialise in speed climbing for this event. The team was selected through a rigorous national qualification process held in March this year.
The annual IFSC Youth World Championships, taking place on August 22 in Guiyang, China, attracts the most promising young climbers from around the globe, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to gain international experience and recognition.
For Westman, this is a dream come true. “I’m privileged to be able to compete at this level with all my fellow athletes. Alex Honnold once said, ‘The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. And the best way to begin doing is to start at the bottom and climb up from there,’ and the fact that I have reached such heights that I may compete for my country is a great source of pride.”
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Ellis is also excited about the experience. “My experience with climbing has been amazing so far. I’m most excited to experience the culture in China and get to know some of the people and other athletes and learn as many new things as I can.”
Each athlete bears the financial responsibility of funding their travel and competitions. Carmen Bouwer, team manager, explains, “Our management team is dedicated to ensuring that no athlete misses out due to lack of funds.”
She encourages sponsors from all sectors to step up and help turn these talented athletes’ dreams into reality. Prospective sponsors can email her at YWCH@sancf.org.
The South African National Climbing Federation (SANCF) is a registered NPO.
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