Local Kedron State High School student Orielle Michaelis-Thorpe is making waves in the world of indoor climbing, winning the 2025 national title in lead climbing for Youth B, securing her a place in the Australian Youth team.
Now she is preparing to travel to Helsinki, Finland, to compete in the World Youth Climbing Championships (WYCC).
Starting her competitive climbing journey at just 12 years old, Orielle has quickly risen through the ranks of the sport. In 2024 alone, she was crowned Queensland Women’s Open Boulder Champion, placed second in both Lead and Boulder in the National Youth B Female category, and was selected to represent Australia at the WYCC in China.
Orielle shared how the community had supported her so far.
“My climbing community has been wonderful,” she said. “We train together, grow together as climbers, support each other and celebrate each other’s progress. My local community comes to my competitions and cheers me on, in person or online. They also donate to my fundraiser page, give me emotional support and believe in me.”
Support Orielle on the Road to Helsinki
Orielle’s achievements don’t end there. She is the first Aboriginal athlete to win a national title in sport climbing and now uses her platform to inspire and encourage other young Aboriginal women to follow their sporting dreams.
“Hopefully it inspires them to have more confidence and believe in themselves, because if I’m an Aboriginal girl from Brisbane and I can make it this far, then so can any other mob in whatever sport they want to excel in,” she said.
Orielle is on a mission to raise $13,500 for her upcoming trip to Helsinki, where she’ll represent Australia in Under17 Lead in the WYCC. While she receives some support through ambassador programs, there are still significant out-of-pocket expenses she needs to cover.
“As a minor, I have extra expenses because I have to have a guardian accompanying me,” Orielle said. “Sport Climbing Australia doesn’t have enough funds to help.”
Orielle’s mum, Ljudån, said she was incredibly proud of Orielle’s achievements not only as an emerging elite athlete but also as a role model and leader.
“I am most proud of her wanting to be a role model for other young Aboriginal women, and her encouragement to get more of our mob out there on the wall,” Ljudan said.
“She is a talented climber but also a gifted coach and a natural leader.”
Support Orielle’s journey by donating here.
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