Q&A wth Hannah Smith
Tell us about your connection with climbing?
I am a competition climber and so I mostly train and climb inside in preparation for events. I travelled internationally competed on the GB junior team for 4 years and the senior team for 3 years until I started university. I now do smaller events nationally and compete for Edinburgh University at international events.
Why do you like climbing?
I love the feeling of trying really hard and succeeding – whether that is on a climb that I’m struggling with or a more long term goal like an event I want to do well at and I know I’ll have to train hard for. The feeling of that hard work paying off is so cool to me.
How did you get involved in climbing?
I have been climbing for 9 years now having started just after my younger brother got involved with the community. I joined my local youth squad in Glasgow and became interested in competitive climbing fairly quickly. I competed in the YCS for and represented Scotland at the national final for three years before doing more national events and getting selected to represent GB.
What made you want to join the ClimbScotland team?
The talent squad is a new project for ClimbScotland to undertake and I was very excited to have an opportunity to help shape what this new pathway will look like. Scotland has a small but close community in our sport and I would love to have positive involvement.
What do you like about working with the team?
The other talent squad coaches are all so experienced and I and excited to learn a lot from them as well. I like that we are all working towards the common goal of giving our athletes the best opportunities possible.