The sky is the limit for Greek athlete Theodora Kasimidou. The determined 12-year-old competed at the National Boulder Climbing Competition last Friday 9 October, ranking first amongst 12 of her peers in the Youth C 2002-2003 category in Ballarat.

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses, with bouldering ‘problems’ usually less than six metres (20 feet) tall. The sport originated as a method of training for roped climbs and mountaineering and – as a result of its growing popularity – the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has included the sport into its short list for the 2020 Olympic Games.

Theodora moved to South Australia with her family three years ago when her academic parents accepted a transfer to South Australia from the Greek Ministry of Education. She is the only girl to have competed from the state of South Australia in the Youth C 2002-2003 category, and attributes her success to determination and hard work.

“I train nearly every day for about three hours each day and the thing I love the most about bouldering is that – ultimately – it is a game of strategic moves which keeps both the mind and body active.

“Bouldering is a challenge and I love challenges,” says the talented athlete, displaying maturity and determination beyond her years.

Theodora admits that ‘bouldering’ is also a social outlet where she enjoys the attention and friendship of her peers – who are all much older and more experienced than her.

“I love going for training and I get along really well with all age groups,” Theodora adds, while admitting to feeling extra special every time she feels under pressure when completing a ‘problem’ and the voices of her peers are cheering her on.

” ‘Come on Theo’, they tell me and give me so much strength and positive vibes.”

For Theodora’s family, bouldering is much more than just a sport. It helps their daughter develop her social skills while improving her concentration and discipline.

“When we first arrived from Greece all Theodora wanted to do was to go back home, but now that bouldering has become part of her life, she doesn’t want to let it go,” her mother Marie Kosmarikou tells Neos Kosmos.

Theodora feels excited about the outcome of the competition and hopes it will be the first of many; nevertheless she doesn’t want the win to be all about her.

“It is not all about me.

“I feel so proud for all Greeks in Australia but also for all the people in South Australia,” she says.