Sheer wall no match for spidergirl

Climbing is not just a hobby for 13-year-old student Lucy Whitehead, it's in her blood.

"I have been doing it a long time, it's in the family. I probably started competitions in about 2008 but it's only since last year that I have done really well," she said.

Ms Whitehead recently won an under 14 female title at the National Cup Series, and took home a gold medal for a gutsy climb at the end of a two day competition, despite having sore legs from running school cross country the day before.

"There were some really good climbers and the climbs were very challenging. I was quite tired but just had to tell myself to keep going, get to the next hold and the next hold."

As build up to the National Cup Series Ms Whitehead took part in regional events, climbing a category up (under 16) to gain extra competition.

She already had two wins in Rotorua and Tauranga on her scoreboard before the final event in Auckland on August 10 and 11.

But her success didn't come without plenty of hard work and determination. She spent many hours on the climbing walls at the Kiwi Adventure Hall in Napier.

"I do loads and loads of training, about six days a week, but you do have to have some rest days."

For her the appeal of climbing was about pushing boundaries and setting goals for herself.

"I love trying to test myself, I like the challenge."

Ms Whitehead didn't have much time to bask in the glory of her title win.

She's already training for the national competition to be held in Christchurch on October 6 and 7.

Climbers who went on to compete at the National Indoor lead-climbing series were decided in four rounds held across the country over the past few months - the first in Wanaka, second Rotorua, third in Mount Maunganui and the last in Auckland.