Bearsden climber hits the heights
BEARSDEN climbing sensation Natalie Berry is back on track following her first win this year after a three month lay-off due to illness.
The six times indoor climbing champion won the Scottish Youth Climbing Championships at Edinburgh's International Climbing Arena in Ratho on Saturday in the top 17-19 age group.
Natalie had a hernia operation at the beginning of February and only started training properly for the event since the beginning of last month.
The 18-year-old decided to take part in the championships, despite not being fully competition fit, and admitted she was surprised to claim the top podium place.
The former Bearsden Academy pupil, who is due to start studying languages at Edinburgh University in October said: "It was good to get the experience after not competing for so long. I didn't know what to expect at Ratho and just went out to try my best."
Natalie won two trophies, one which she can keep, some climbing equipment and a 20 voucher for outdoor shop Cotswolds.
But more importantly, the win has focused Natalie's mind on competing in the first round of the European Youth Series in Imst, Austria at the beginning of June.
She added: "I have set my goal on taking part in what is quite a big event.
"Winning the Scottish championships has given me a real boost and I'm now really focused on my training in the lead up to travelling to Austria."
Natalie has set her sights on winning the overall series championship after coming close in recent years.
She finished third in 2006-7, ninth in 2008 and 12th last year after her training was hampered due to studying and exams.
Natalie is also looking to take part in the World Championships at Ratho in September — the biggest indoor competition of the year for the gifted young climber.
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Weather for Milngavie
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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