Despite the accelerating focus on sport climbing as the 2020 Olympic Games draw closer, Berghaus has announced that British trad climber Anna Taylor has joined its team of sponsored athletes. 21-year-old Anna has been climbing since the age of ten and will represent the brand as well as helping to develop and test its outdoor clothing and equipment.
Anna started out as a competition climber but soon discovered that she preferred being outdoors and was attracted to the mental challenges presented by trad climbing. With this as her core focus, she became Neil Gresham’s training partner in 2016 and has gone on to chalk up an impressive list of routes.
She climbed her first E7 and flashed her first E6 aged 19, and has made the first female ascent of several routes graded from E6 to E8. In May this year, she climbed five E7 routes, including three in a week.
Some of Anna’s notable climbs include: My Halo (E7 6b) in the Llanberis slate quarries, without the mid-height bolt; Obsession Fatale (E8 6b) at the Roaches; Disorderly Conduct (E8 6c) at Reecastle Crag; and the first ascent of Priceless (E7 6b) at Thrang Crags in Langdale last month.
Her reputation and profile has continued to grow in climbing circles. Last year, she was the focus of Al Lee’s film ‘Just Anna’, which featured in the Brit Rock film tour, and she will appear in future Gutsy Girls and Reel Rock film tours. In November, Anna will be the sole female member of a team led by fellow Berghaus athlete Leo Houlding on a climbing expedition to South America.
Berghaus has signed her to expand its athlete team with emerging home-grown talent. As part of a wider strategy to refresh and highlight the pioneering spirit at its heart, the brand is supporting a new generation of individuals who will push the boundaries of modern mountaineering and exploration.
As well as being an active brand ambassador for Berghaus, Anna will also play an important role as the company continues to improve and increase its range of women-specific kit.
Kev McFadyen, brand director at Berghaus, said, “Anna is one of the most exciting young climbers in the UK trad scene, and we’re delighted to have her join the Berghaus team. Just like us, she has big plans for the future, and we look forward to supporting her adventures – starting this November with her trip to Guyana with Leo Houlding and Waldo Etherington.”
Anna added, “It’s nice to be working with a company that promotes adventure and pushing your personal boundaries, as these are both aspects of life that I believe are very important.” Keep up to date with her adventures on Instagram by following @anna_taylor_98.
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