Shauna Coxsey is a rising star of the youth climbing scene. After finding out about the BMC Youth Climbing Series back in 2000 she managed to qualify for the final on her first attempt.

This obviously gave her a taste for competitions, and she shot up the rankings in following years to win her age category in both 2005 and 2006. She became a member of the British Climbing Squad in 2004, a member of the team in 2005, and she’ll be competing in some of the international youth events in 2007.

How did you start climbing?
I started about the same time I started school, about four, after seeing Catherine Destivelle climbing those towers in Africa on TV. It was really challenging then as I was so small, but loads of fun too.

Has climbing changed you?
Yes. It’s given me goals that I want to work to achieve, and has made me a more determined person overall.

Do you aspire to be like anyone?
There’s no one that I particularly look up to, but I guess I do spend a lot of time looking at other climber’s styles to see if I can learn anything.

What are your ambitions?
To win the climbing World Cup! But shorter term, to work on my climbing as much as possible. I like to push as hard as I can when I climb, I regularly onsight 7a and at a push 7b, but I’d like to take that to the next level.

Where’s your favourite climbing venue?
I’d say Pembroke for routes but Fontainbleau for bouldering. Pembroke is a bit scary sometimes due to loose rock, but I always love Font. There’s so much to do and the place is beautiful.

Favourite route/problem?
I don’t think I’ve been to enough places to have a favourite route or problem, but World War 3 Blues in Pembroke was a fun route. I didn’t lead it though.

What do you like about climbing?
That buzz you get when you get to the top.

How would you recommend climbing to a friend?
As a fun sport that gives you a lot of achievements, and allows you to meet some great people.

How do you see climbing developing in the future?
It’s going to get more popular - it might even get into the Olympics one day. 

WATCH: We Are GB Climbing

🧗‍♀️ FOLLOW: GB Climbing's Instagram for exclusive photos and results

⛰️ JOIN: Become a BMC member and support GB Climbing

📺 WATCH: GB Climbing YouTube playlist

🐦SCROLL: GB Climbing on X for live updates

👍 LIKE: GB Climbing Facebook for even more news and photos

👀 VISIT: GB Climbing website and see who's on the team

GB Climbing is supported by the BMC, Mountaineering Scotland and Secur-it. Many UK walls also support the GB Climbing team through free or subsidised entry.

« Back