Scots teen sets sights on Olympics after becoming Britain’s fastest female climber

A Scottish teenager is setting her sights on the Olympics after becoming the fastest female climber in Britain. Ava Hamilton, 17, has rapidly risen in the world of speed climbing, emerging as one of Europe’s top speed climbers since she first took up the sport while in school. She is now aiming to secure a spot on Team GB for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Speed climbing is a relatively new sport that involves ascending up a wall of up to 15 meters in races that often last mere seconds, with the current world record standing at an astonishing 4.798 seconds. Ava made headlines this year by setting a new UK women’s record at the European Championships with a time of 8.64 seconds. Her dedication and hard work paid off, as she expressed her happiness and relief at achieving a personal best.

Ava, who hails from Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, is determined to surpass her own record and aims to achieve a time of under 7.5 seconds in the upcoming year, a milestone she believes would elevate her to a world-class level in speed climbing. Despite the challenges she faces, including limited access to speed climbing walls in Scotland and the UK, Ava remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence in the sport.

The commitment and passion Ava displays have not gone unnoticed, with Dan Wyatt, the rector at Kelvinside Academy where she began her speed climbing journey, praising her as an inspiration to young people. Ava’s relentless dedication to training and competing has led her to secure opportunities such as a three-month training camp in Salt Lake City, for which she is actively seeking further sponsorships to support her dreams.

As Ava continues to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in speed climbing, her journey serves as a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of young athletes striving to achieve their Olympic dreams.

In summary, Ava Hamilton’s remarkable journey from a schoolgirl to Britain’s fastest female climber showcases her unwavering determination and commitment to reaching the pinnacle of her sport. Her pursuit of Olympic glory serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, demonstrating the power of passion and perseverance in achieving one’s dreams.