Sprinter to race pole climbing world record-holder Grant Gallier at World Pole Climbing Championships

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has raced some of the best sprinters in the world but on Saturday he’ll face a new challenge as he takes on world pole climbing record-holder Grant Gallier in a track vs tree battle.

Aikines-Aryeetey will race 100m – the distance in which he won European bronze in Zurich this year - while Gallier will climb a 25m Douglas Fir pole at the Husqvarna World Pole Climbing Championships in Warwickshire.

The three-day event will see competitors attempt to climb a 25m pole in the quickest time possible, with former sprinter Iwan Thomas hosting the final round before crowning the 2014 world pole climbing champion.

Thomas will also commentate on the track vs tree challenge into which Gallier goes in as favourite, with Aikines-Aryeetey – who also won European 4x100m relay gold and Commonwealth relay silver this summer – owning a 100m PB of 10.08, while Gallier’s world record currently stands at 9.07. Thomas will then attempt a 25m pole climb himself.

On your marks, get set…

You can also view the Husqvarna World Pole Climbing Championships preview video here.

For further information see husqvarna.com

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