|
2008 ITCC Results
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
For More Information:
Sonia Garth
Marketing Coordinator
International Society of Arboriculture
217-355-9411, EXT. 217
United Kingdom Claims First Tree Climbing Championship
CHAMPAIGN, IL (August 8, 2008)-Professional tree climbers from around the world competed for the title of World Champion Tree Climber in St. Louis, MO. Eleven countries were represented by 50 competitors at the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) held Saturday and Sunday (July 26 and 27).
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.
The event was held by ISA and hosted by its Midwestern Chapter, which includes members from within the state of Missouri. 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 32nd international competition.
Josephine Hedger of the United Kingdom won her first women's champion title. Hedger's win also gives the United Kingdom its first claim to the women's world champion. Though she is only 24, she brings five years of experience to the competition. Hedger excelled in competition, even breaking a world record set by Elena O'Neil, of New Zealand, in the Head-to-Head footlock with a time of 15.88 seconds. When offering insight on her experiences at ITCC, she says, "I didn't come here to win anything….all I wanted to do was win a medal in the preliminaries."
Germany retains claim to the men's world champion with the eighth win by Bernd "Beddes" Strasser. However, this repeating champion does exercise good sense in preparing for a climb. "By preparing and training too hard for an event, you automatically put yourself under pressure, and this can be counterproductive," emphasizes Strasser. "For me, the simple solution is to occasionally go for a run and stretch after a workday. Tree climbing competitions are not just all about body strength."
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 were awarded medals and cash prizes. The top overall scorers (four men and three women) then moved on to the Masters' Challenge round held on Sunday.
The male and female world champions were announced at the Opening Ceremony of the ISA's 84th 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 2009 to defend their title at the international championship to be held in Providence, Rhode Island (US) on July 24 and 25.
Winners at this year's competition are:
2008 Men's Champion- Bernd Strasser, Germany
2nd place- Scott Forrest, UK/Ireland
3rd place- Mark Chisholm, United States
4th place- Jared Abrojena, United States
2008 Women's Champion- Josephine Hedger, UK/Ireland
2nd place- Chrissy Spence, New Zealand
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.
|
|