GB Development Squad member and 11 year old climber
Thank you to Kishan for letting us interview him at the 2019 Open Youth Lead Championships at The Big Depot, Leeds.
Who you are and what do you do?
I’m Kishan Fillingham, I’m 11 years old and I climb for the GB team
What was your first climbing experience?
My first climbing experience was at MCC [Manchester Climbing Centre] and I also went to The Hangar in Liverpool. It was pretty scary because I didn’t know how I was going to do and what falling off would be like until I tried it. It was a bit scary but I got used to it . I climbed Helwellyn and Striding Edge when I was 6 year old.
How did you know that climbing was your thing?
Ever since I started doing it, I started doing well and I got into the team.
Where is your favourite outdoor climb?
Ooh, Horseshoe Quarry in the Peak District
What has been your proudest climbing moment?
Probably the route I just did then! [What grade do you think that was?] I think that was probably a 7b to 7c. I was one clip off the top.
What are your ambitions?
Probably to climb as best as I can and get pretty far in climbing.
Lead, Speed or Boulder and Why?
I’d probably say speed because I’m really good at it and because I’m pretty strong and dynamic. It’s a good type of climbing for me.
What are your most liked and hated healthy foods?
Ooh, I don’t really like cooked peppers and I don’t like green peppers. My favourite food would definitely be cucumber.
If not climbing, what sport would you be doing?
I think maybe swimming.
Give us an inspiring quote (either yours or someone else’s).
“Always think that you’ll get far and you always will.”
