Sports
Rising SA Climber Luke Westman Set for IFSC World Cups in June

Rising star Luke Westman from Fourways will represent South Africa in two major International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) competitions in Europe this June. Westman previously earned his Protea Youth Climbing Colours after competing at the Youth World Championships in China in August 2024.
Now, the 18-year-old is set to test his strength and skill against the world’s best. He’ll compete in Bern, Switzerland, from June 13 to 15, and then in Innsbruck, Austria, from June 25 to 29. “I’m both nervous and excited,” Westman said. “It’s a dream to represent South Africa on the world stage.”
These events mark his debut on the Open IFSC World Cup circuit – a leap forward in his already impressive career. The Innsbruck leg is especially prestigious, widely regarded as one of the most competitive stops on the climbing calendar.
Westman has been training intensely, 5 to 6 days a week, at CityROCK in Randburg under head coach Devin Sender, who praised the climber’s dedication and growth. “Luke started with me when he was just nine. Watching his development into one of the country’s top athletes has been a privilege,” said Sender.
But the path to Europe isn’t without its challenges. Unlike athletes in more mainstream sports, climbers often have to fund their trips entirely on their own. Gauteng Climbing secretary Bridgette Erdey appealed to both public and private sponsors to assist. “These trips are expensive, and families make huge sacrifices. We hope more entities will help support Luke and others flying our flag abroad.”
Anyone interested in helping can reach out to Carmen Bouwer at president@gauteng-climbing.co.za.
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Sourced:Bedfordview & Edenvale News
Picture: Fourways Review