Canadian ice climbers to converge on downtown Edmonton for world championship

Ice climbing is a sport that demands both physical strength and mental fortitude. One athlete who knows this all too well is Gord McArthur, a Canadian ice climber who faced a terrifying accident during the Ice Climbing World Cup in Edmonton last February.

During a difficult manoeuvre, McArthur fell while holding an axe handle in his mouth. The fall caused the tool to drive into his mouth, fracturing his jaw and displacing his bottom teeth. Despite the torrent of blood and excruciating pain, McArthur’s determination to get back on the wall was unwavering.

After undergoing 15 surgeries and getting some new teeth, McArthur is now gearing up to return to the world championship in Edmonton. The 45-year-old climber from Cranbrook, B.C., has shown incredible resilience and strength in his recovery.

The championship, set to begin on February 27, will feature both lead-climbing and speed-climbing competitions. Lead climbing involves navigating a dry-surface course with scattered holds, while speed climbing requires climbers to race to the top of an ice wall using axes and crampons.

For Sara Lilley, an ice climber from Canmore, Alta., lead climbing is her preferred discipline. She acknowledges the risks involved in the sport, from falls to getting tangled in ropes. Speed climbing, on the other hand, presents its own set of dangers, with climbers sometimes accidentally stabbing themselves with their picks in the frantic ascent.

Despite the risks, ice climbing has been gaining traction in recent years, with events like the World Cup attracting more attention. Athletes like McArthur and Lilley, along with other Canadian climbers, are helping to push the sport into the mainstream.

McArthur, in particular, has found a new sense of purpose in his career after overcoming his injury. He credits his mental resilience for making him “lighter and faster” on the wall. With a renewed focus on training and a stronger mindset, McArthur is ready to take on the challenges of the championship in Edmonton.

As the ice climbing community continues to grow and evolve, athletes like McArthur serve as a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to excel in this demanding sport. Their stories of resilience and determination inspire others to push their limits and reach new heights in the world of ice climbing.