She’s done it again – Jo Hedger has won the ISA UK & Ireland Tree Climbing Competition!
After her recent success in the USA, Jo attended the event guns blazing, and boy did she work her magic.
Our two times World Champion competed against the current European Champion, Philipa Allen, and the previous UK representative, Jess Herbert. With three strong climbers, the Masters proved to be somewhat of a nail-biting event!
Jo’s favourite climbing event is aerial rescue, and she found this year’s challenge just as fun as ever. The scenario was a climber who had fallen and hit his head; he was conscious, but unable to bring himself down. The casualty was on a simple prussic system and his line was undamaged. The access line was to the side of the tree but low in relation to the location of the casualty, so keeping an eye on rope angles and making herself safe was key.
Jo needed to give a lot of info during the pre-climb chat, which left a tight six minute time limit to perform the rescue. However, the girl done good and came out on top. Jo also won the Foot Lock, Throw Line, and Work Climb, proving once again that she’s a fierce competitor!
The result of the weekend was unquestionable – Jo won the women’s UK Champion title, and Ali Magee claimed the men’s UK title.
It was a fantastic turnout and great to be amongst the UK and Ireland’s top talent. As the sun went down on the Saturday, so began an evening of fantastic food, refreshing beers, and the usual post-comp chitchat.
We’re all now looking forward to the World Championships and European Championships, both of which Jo is excited to be involved in. In the meantime, she’ll be keeping her strength up and getting her practice in!
