In climbing, boulder is climbing short distances with no use of a rope, while lead is climbing high walls with the use of a rope.

When Coco Senekal (12) packed her chalk and climbing shoes for the Western Cape, so she could compete in the South African National Climbing Federation Nationals after placing in the top four of climbers in Gauteng, she probably did not anticipate she would go on to place first in both boulder and lead for her age category, but that’s exactly what happened.

She said a highlight of the competition was the support she received. “I was really amazed at the people from other provinces cheering and supporting me.”

The most challenging part was climbing at Bloc11, in Cape Town, for the first time, an experience only heightened by the climb’s holds, which she was not used to, something that taught this little climber to never give up.

“I prepared myself for disappointment, as I had been told that the Western Cape climbers were very good. I just focused on doing my best.”

Read more: What Coco Senekal needs to climb her best

Coco’s love for climbing can only ascend, as she finds it fun, loving that climbing continues to change and challenge her, which only seems to add to her motivation.

It is no surprise then, that her role models in the sport are Jana Garnbret, who is number one in the world, and Brooke Raboutou, a short climber, like her, who never gives up.

As inspiring as Coco’s determination is, she does not see herself as a role model for younger climbers, but she does leave a little slack, to believe that one day she might be.

Living by the proverb: ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’, Coco’s best part of climbing is a dyno – when a climber does an explosive leap to reach a distant hold. With her leading her age group, it’s certain we’ll see this little dynamo doing a dyno into higher age groups soon, and climbing right to the top of the rankings there too.

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