Wirral youngster becomes National Climbing Champion

Jun 29 2011 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

ELLIOT VERRY has literally scaled great heights to become National Youth Climbing Champion.

A part of the North-West climbing squad which competed against 10 other UK regions at the Wolverhampton event, Elliot helped the region to a fifth placed finish but picked up individual honours in dramatic style.

Having completed three non-roped technical climbs and three higher ascents to post a score of 447 out of a possible 480 points, Elliot and edgy spectators watched on as his closest rival looked set to conquer the height necessary to edge out the Oxton resident, only to slip and fall at the pivotal moment to ensure the crown returned to Merseyside.

Victory meant Elliot had seen off the challenges of over 150 competitors from across the UK having qualified through regional heats weeks earlier. Those finishing in the top 10 bag a place at the British Mountaineering Council’s National Talented Climbers Academy and having missed out on the elite last year, Elliot can now swagger his way to further tutelage as national champion.

The Woodchurch Road primary student took to climbing after making light of climbing tasks during his eighth birthday and seasoned climbers quickly spotted and praised the immense strength possessed by Elliot.

Now practising his craft at the Awesome Walls Climbing Centre, Elliot practices twice a week and his dad paid tribute to the commitment the daredevil has shown.

“For him to win is amazing because I’ve seen him training twice a week and it’s commitment. We’re really proud of him.”