Canberra teenager Connor Lineen has claimed the Australian Lead Climbing Championships title, overcoming illness and a grueling training stint in Slovenia to win the open division in his first appearance at the event.
The 19-year-old from Farrer upset several more-fancied opponents to top the podium in Melbourne a week and a half ago, becoming the first Canberra climber to hold the title in 13 years. 'It was probably the best climb of my life,' Lineen told The Canberra Times. 'I just hit this flow state, and was able to execute all the moves in the right sequence.'
Lineen's victory followed a gap year spent training overseas after graduating from Canberra Grammar last December. He linked up with Slovenian coach Klemen Kejzar and spent three months in the height of winter grinding in the gym and honing his technique. Despite multiple bouts of illness from the intense training, Lineen returned for another three-month stint in the European summer.
In lead climbing, athletes climb a 15-metre wall with a safety rope, aiming to reach the highest hold within six minutes. Scoring is based on the number of holds completed before falling. The sport demands full-body strength, flexibility, and mental toughness to endure lactic acid buildup.
Lineen qualified for the open finals as the sixth of eight climbers after three rounds. He expressed disbelief after winning, saying, 'When I realised I won it was just pure happiness and excitement. I couldn't believe it.' His parents, both former athletes—mother Trish a swimmer and father Jono a skier—were present to celebrate.
Lineen now aims to compete in the Olympics, targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Games. 'Ultimately I want to go to the Olympics. It can't get much better than that,' he said.
