Maple Ridge teen Avery MacDonald set three new Canadian speed climbing records at the Youth World Championships in Helsinki, Finland.
B.C. Teen Dominates World Climbing Stage
Maple Ridge’s Avery MacDonald captured international attention by setting three new Canadian speed climbing records at the Youth World Sport Climbing Championships. The event ran from July 23 to August 2 in Helsinki, Finland, bringing together elite young athletes from around the globe.
Record-Breaking Performances in Helsinki
Competing in the women’s U17 category, MacDonald ascended a 15-metre wall multiple times during qualifying rounds, improving the Canadian record with each run. In the finals, she clocked a time of 8.54 seconds and later set her ultimate national record at 8.47 seconds, narrowly finishing behind gold medalist Jiaxin Tang of China.
A Rising Star in Canadian Climbing
MacDonald is among a select group of Canadian youth athletes to achieve podium finishes across all three sport climbing disciplines: lead, boulder, and speed. She currently holds national titles in lead and boulder, demonstrating consistent excellence on both national and international stages.
Olympic Dreams on the Horizon
With climbing set to feature in the 2028 Olympics across all three disciplines, MacDonald’s achievements position her as a promising candidate for Team Canada. She aims to compete at the 35th IFSC U17 and U19 Youth World Championships in Arco, Italy, in 2026, further solidifying her path toward the Olympic stage.
Inspiring a New Generation
MacDonald’s record-setting performance not only highlights her talent but also brings attention to the growing sport of climbing in Canada. Her dedication and success serve as an inspiration to young athletes aiming to reach the highest levels of competition.
From Local Walls to Global Podiums
Starting in Maple Ridge, MacDonald’s rapid rise underscores how local programs can nurture world-class talent. Her journey from national competitions to breaking Canadian records on the global stage demonstrates the potential of Canada’s youth climbing community.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
