GB Climbing Team Member and International Competition Climber
Thank you to Emily, for letting us interview her during the Battle of Britain 2018 at the Depot in Manchester, on 20th October.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Emily Phillips and I’m a rock climber
What was your first climbing experience?
We were on a holiday in the Isle of Wight, me and my family, and there was a mobile climbing wall. a kind of a temporary climbing wall, as part of a festival. I had a go with my dad and really enjoyed it and then when I came back from the holiday, my local climbing wall, Boulders, opened in Cardiff. From then on I just climbed more and more, got on the team and just progressed from there.
How did you know that climbing was your thing?
Well I tried a lot of sports, I used to do loads of sports in school. Climbing was always the one I enjoyed the most and eventually it came to the point where I wanted to be the best in climbing. I knew that I couldn’t do millions of other sports and have the same amount of hours climbing, so I just decided that I was going to stop doing that and really focus on it. It’s paid off so far as I’m still enjoying it.
Where is your favourite outdoor climb?
I haven’t really done much outside but I really enjoyed climbing Jerry’s Roof in North Wales, Llanberis Pass. It was just a really hard climb for me and it was a good project to finish, so I was really happy with that.
What has been your proudest climbing moment?
I think competing in the Munich Senior World Cup this year. I managed to make semi-finals and it was a privilege to compete on such a big stage in front of so many people, with all the best climbers in the world. It was really cool.
What are your ambitions?
World Champion. That is the one and only. That’s all I want.
Lead, Speed or Boulder and Why?
I like the combined event. I think it’s really cool. I’ve been doing a bit more speed practice recently and I’ve really enjoyed doing that. But obviously lead and boulder are my main focuses, speeds just like an extra cool thing to do during the combined. But I do enjoy it as well.
What are your most liked and hated healthy foods?
I guess my greens aren’t something I enjoy eating that much but I don’t mind some other vegetables, its just green ones aren’t my favourite. Very childish but that’s the way it is.
If not climbing, what sport would you be doing?
I’m not sure. I’m quite competitive so I’d definitely be doing some sport. I don’t think I really mind as long as it’s a sport and I can put all my focus and energy into something, then I’ll be happy.
Give us an inspiring quote (either yours or someone else’s).
My favourite inspirational quote would be – “Never take your eye off your goal”.
For more information about Emily see her website.
