22-Nation Tree Climbing Championship Marks 50th Year

Nearly 100 arborists from 22 countries competed in the 50th International Tree Climbing Championship at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis. The three-day event organized by the International Society of Arboriculture drew 52 men and 39 women for belayed speed climb, aerial rescue, work climb, ascent and throwline. Work climbs were in trees 80 to 100 feet tall; the ascent at 24 meters was the highest in event history. Top performers advance to Sunday's Masters' Challenge. The first championship was held in St. Louis in 1976. Climbers cheered and clapped during the belayed speed climb under sunny skies. Spectators in camping chairs watched aerial rescue. Frits Van der Werff rang a bell in Work Climb; Anna Petova adjusted carabiners before Aerial Rescue; Joseph Shultz competed in timed Ascent. E.J. Turner said the work climb has more movement, jumping and swinging and is kind of like being a kid. Caitlyn Pollihan said there is fascinating camaraderie and fun nods to the milestone, and that it started with climbers talking about who could climb fastest. Sarah Ann Quinlan said climbers help each other like a family, like one team. Pollihan, a St. Louis native, said she loves showing family and friends the championship and enjoys the Masters on Sunday.