World Paraclimbing Champion and Climbing Coach
Thank you to Hannah for letting us interview her at the 2019 Open Youth Bouldering Championships held at Rock Over Climbing in Manchester.
Who you are and what do you do?
I’m Hannah Baldwin and I’m a paraclimber.
What was your first climbing experience?
My first climbing experience was probably when I was about 9 years old and it was at the wall at my secondary school. It was like one of those half term activity things.
How did you know that climbing was your thing?
I came home from that experience and said to my Mum that I wanted to make a living from climbing one day.
Where is your favourite outdoor climb?
My favourite UK crag is probably Brean Down
What has been your proudest climbing moment?
It probably is my proudest moment [Brean Down] because I climbed Clashing Socks, a 7b sport route there. That’s probably my proudest climbing moment.
What are your ambitions?
This year we have another World Championships in Japan, so that’s one ambition of mine. But I also want to try and climb 7c outside.
Lead, Speed or Boulder and Why?
Lead, by far, by far. [Laughs] I hate bouldering. I’m awful at it. It’s not my thing. I can go for hours endurance wise but the power and strength that you need for bouldering I have to (drive or try?) really hard to get.
What are your most liked and hated healthy foods?
My most liked healthy snacks are Nakd bars, they’re an absolute winner. Most hated healthy food … Kale on it’s own is pretty rubbish right, on it’s own it’s rubbish. Put it with other stuff and it’s pretty good but on it’s own you’ve got to disguise it with a lot of cream.
If not climbing, what sport would you be doing?
I always wanted to be a footballer. That was my second thing.
Give us an inspiring quote (either yours or someone else’s).
In order to truly succeed we must fail first
For more information about Hannah you can see her Instagram feed hbaldwin8.
Hannah was interviewed for us by Maya.
