[AMP-L] Reaching Gold Uphill For Paraclimber Rachel Maia

[Wayne Renardson]

via Stuff New Zealand:

World Cup gold - possibly the first of any colour for any New Zealander 
- is in reach for paraclimber Rachel Maia, but there´s one more giant 
overhang to traverse.  

The 39-year-old Whanganui-based climber is a self supported elite 
athlete, relying on the generous koha of her local community, smaller 
sponsors and Climbing New Zealand - who are "wonderful and 
supportive" - but there´s no financial rope to hold her.  

"People might see that you're wearing a shirt that says `athlete´ and 
assume you´re really well-supported, but it doesn't actually mean that 
you have everything you need to do your best," she said.  

The rest of the story, with photo & Instagram, here:

https://tinyurl.com/yy7busyg

with links to:

* No pain, no gain: Para-climber Rachel Maia 12 months on from leg 
amputation

* Kiwi para-climber Rachel Maia achieves goal of nationals return after 
amputation

* Why rock climber Rachel Maia chose to have her leg amputated

Wayne R.