Bearsden climber aims for Euro success in Slovenia
SIX times British indoor climbing champion Natalie Berry has her eye on a podium place at next month's European Youth Series (EYS) in the Slovenian city of Kranj — repeating her win in 2007.
Natalie (17) just missed out on a podium place in the third round of the EYS at The Edinburgh International Climbing Centre at Ratho.
The gravity defying Bearsden climber, who is taking a year out after finishing her advanced highers at Bearsden Academy last term, said: "I have been training at Ratho at least three times a week and building up my strength and endurance.
"I will miss the next European Youth Series event in Russia this weekend as it is too difficult to get there."
However the former Bearsden Academy student added: "I feel capable of
at least a podium place in Kranj and with any luck hopefully a first.
"I won it in 2007 and came second in 2006. Last year I was 12th, but that was because I had to concentrate on my exams."
Natalie will be competing in the junior category for youngsters aged 17 to 19, so will be one of the youngest in the group, but that does not concern her.
She added: "This year I have been able to concentrate on my climbing and build my strength to a level where I feel I can compete at the highest level in the sport."
The gifted indoor climber has also recently been selected as team captain for the British Junior Climbing team and will act as a link between the team coaches and young climbers.
On Natalie's prospects in Kranj, Neil McGeachy, Scotland south team
regional coach, said: "She is very experienced now and is used to the pressure at these events.
"Her performances have been very strong recently and she has the potential for a podium place."
In the previous round at Ratho three weeks ago Natalie was in equal third on the final climbing route but dropped to fourth on countback.
This however was still the best British result out of the 31 British competitors who took part.
Natalie said at the time that after a 12th position in both the World Youth Championships and the EYS in Munich, her fourth place had been the best international result for more than a year.
For those wishing to follow her progress Natalie now has a blog on the health, beauty, fitness and sports equipment website www.currentbody.com
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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