BRENDON FLANAGAN, MANAGER AT THE AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL OF MOUNTAINEERING, AND HIS DAUGHTER ALEXANDRA (8)
Alexandra was six months old when we started going to the climbing gym as an alternative to the park. A stimulating environment with upbeat music, padded mats, ropes, colourful holds and, of course, people climbing. Okay, yes, we were there for me as well. With climbing temporarily placed on the back burner when she was born, our visits allowed me to return and see my climbing buddies whilst introducing Alexandra to a very special place.
Alexandra would crawl and bum shuffle to her heart’s content, bright lights shining on the wall highlighting a world of wonder. I’d follow her around, completely captivated by her own captivation. I wanted her to fall in love with climbing, but I had to be
