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2007 ITCC Results
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
For More Information:
Sonia Garth
Marketing Coordinator
International Society of Arboriculture
217-355-9411, EXT. 217
Germany and New Zealand Hold On To World Champion Tree Climber Titles
CHAMPAIGN, IL (August 14, 2007)-Professional tree climbers from around the world passed up riding the waves for climbing trees as they competed for the title of World Champion Tree Climber in Honolulu, HI. Fourteen countries were represented by 56 competitors at the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) held Saturday and Sunday (July 28 and 29).
The tree climbing competitions are designed to simulate working conditions of those arborists who work in the field. The event utilizes the highest level of professional skills and safety while providing a competitive learning environment. "The ITCC provides a great opportunity for arborists from around the world to learn about new techniques and equipment from one another," says Jim Skiera, Executive Director of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the organization that coordinates the competition.
Chrissy Spence of New Zealand won her second women's champion title. Spence's win also gives New Zealand its third consecutive claim to the women's world champion. Having previously won the championship in 2005, Spence brought plenty of experience to the competition. When offering advice to other climbers and competitors she says, "have an open mind and push yourself, but always keeping safety in mind."
Germany retains claim to the men's world champion with the seventh win by Bernd "Beddes" Strasser. However, this repeating champion does not lose focus of the real reason these professionals climb trees. "Arborists are trying to preserve trees to keep trees alive," emphasizes Strasser.
The event was held by ISA and hosted by its Western Chapter, which includes members from within the state of Hawaii. Chapters around the world hold local competitions earning the opportunity to send their chapter champions to compete at the international event. The ITCC is held annually in conjunction with the ISA's annual conference. This was the 31st international competition.
On Saturday, Male and female climbers competed in five separate preliminary events- Secured Footlock, Belayed Speed Climb, Throwline, Work Climb, and Aerial Rescue. In each event the top three scorers are awarded medals and cash prizes. The top overall scorers (four men and three women) then move on the Masters' Challenge round held on Sunday.
The male and female world champions were announced at the Opening Ceremony of the ISA's 83rd Annual Conference on Sunday evening. Champions received cash prizes, chainsaws, champion belt buckles and plaques, as well as other prizes. They also earned the privilege of returning in 2008 to defend their title at the international championship to be held in St. Louis, Missouri (US) on July 26 and 27.
Winners at this year's competition are:
2007 Men's Champion- Bernd Strasser, Germany (previous six time champion)
2nd place- Mark Chisholm, United States (previous two time champion)
3rd place- Brett Hamlin, Australia
4th place- Todd Kramer, United States
2007 Women's Champion- Chrissy Spence, New Zealand (2005 Women's Champion)
2nd place- Kiah Martin, Australia (2003 Women's Champion)
3rd place- Kathy Holzer, United States(2004 Women's Champion)
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, IL (US), is a non-profit organization supporting tree research and education around the world. ISA is comprised of over 25,000 members and certified professionals representing 46 countries worldwide. As well as helping improve the profession of arboriculture, ISA strives to increase public awareness regarding the importance of trees to our urban environment. For more information on ISA visit www.isa-arbor.com.
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