On the way to the top
HIGHLANDS NORTH – Local climber takes the lead as he prepares for the Olympic Games.
African climbing champion, Christopher Cosser is looking forward to representing South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics come July.
The Highlands North resident and former King Edward VII School learner won the Africa Cup in December last year and qualified for the South African team to go to the Olympics.
This is the first time that climbing is being held at the Olympics and there are only 20 men and 20 women from around the world who will be competing.
Photo: Allister Fenton
“With regards to the Olympics Games, I am quite realistic with the goals but obviously when you compete you want to win,” he told Rosebank Killarney Gazette.
“I would be extremely happy to place 14th in the competition. I think it’s achievable but also an amazing placement. While rank is really important, I would also like to use my presence at the competition to help grow climbing in Africa and to make it more accessible for all people.”
Cosser started climbing in 2012 after one of his close friends bought him the climbing film Progression for his birthday.
“I remember watching this and knowing I needed to climb and experience it for myself. Climbing is a great sport as it consistently tests your abilities, it never becomes easy. There is always something more challenging to attempt. While climbing may look all physical, there is a huge mental aspect to it.”
One needs to keep their head cool and maintain focus while climbing, he added.
There are three climbing disciplines: speed, lead and boulder.
Despite holding the African speed record, Cosser’s favourite discipline is lead. It involves climbing tall surfaces with chains spread along a specific route to the top. Climbers link their ropes to the different chains on the way up.
“Lead embodies every aspect of the sport, it will always present the challenge and really make you work for it.”
“While climbing indoors is in the current spotlight, there is a huge outdoor scene which is amazing. Outdoor climbing can take you to phenomenal locations and test you as a climber. It’s all about personal and community growth. I think everyone should give it a go.”
Cosser hopes climbing can become his profession so he can make a livelihood from something he loves to do.
“Competition climbing is my current phase as it really focuses on the athletic ability but in the end I’ll climb outdoors for my personal enjoyment of the sport. Be it for money or pleasure, I’ll always climb.”
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