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Climber gearing up for Olympics

Gord McArthur raising money to fund his dream of competing in the Sochi Games.
35559cranbrookdailyMcArthurStructure
Gord McArthur climbs up a structure at a World Cup event last year.

The Olympics are just a few months away, and Cranbrook will be represented as local athlete Gord McArthur will be competing for Canada in sport climbing.

McArthur got the nod to represent Canada earlier this year, and has been busy training for both the Sochi Games and the UIAA World Cup circuit.

However, there are significant expenses that come with competing at the highest level of any sport in the world, and climbing is no different, as the World Cup circuit takes McArthur across the world from South Korea to Russia and countries in Europe.

With a budget of $23,000, the Cranbrook athlete has raised a large chunk of what he needs already, and is inviting the community to help support him towards his climbing passion.

"This town has already been so amazing," said McArthur. "So many people have already stepped up which is really great."

Donations can be made at the East Kootenay Community Credit Union or by visiting McArthur's website at: machavokadventure.com/donations.

Most of McArthur's financial support has come from local individuals and businesses, without help from the Canadian Olympic Committee or Own the Podium, an umbrella sports funding program that supports Olympic athletes.

"So much of the town has already come together," said McArthur.

He will take off for the World Cup circuit in January, hitting a few events on the tour before representing Canada at the Sochi Games.

Funds raised will go to the basics that come with competing in professional sports—things such as flights, food, hotels and rental cars.

Though McArthur has been competing in the World Cup for the last few years, he's stepped up his training in the summer with the help of a sports psychologist to prepare for the mental pressure of competing against the world's best.

"It came quick," said McArthur. "It came really quick, faster than I expected. But I'm ready. Everything is in place, for the most part."

He's already done some overseas training in South Korea on competition-specific structures and will take off for close to two months at the beginning of January.

 



Trevor Crawley

About the Author: Trevor Crawley

Trevor Crawley has been a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman and Black Press in various roles since 2011.
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